The UN’s World Meteorological Organisation is warning that there is an 80% probability that an El Niño event will develop between June and August this year, bringing with it the risk of extreme weather conditions around the world.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterised by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It disrupts regular weather patterns and global temperatures, often causing extreme droughts in some reng the risk of wildfires.

According to the most recent update from the UN agency, extremely warm temperatures in the waters of the tropical Pacific Ocean are favouring the formation of an El Niño episode this year. If it does occur, there is a 90% plus likelihood it will continue until November at least.