Morocco faces new drought risk as El Niño strengthens

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that the El Niño phenomenon will reach "very strong intensity," increasing risks of extreme weather events until 2027. The UN agency stated the event is "solidly established" and will intensify, potentially impacting temperature and precipitation patterns. The WMO reports a nearly 100% probability El Niño will persist until February 2027, with peak intensity expected around late 2026. The agency describes this as exceptional, warning of record ocean temperatures and extreme weather becoming the new normal, requiring unprecedented preparation and response. For Morocco, El Niño has historically brought high temperatures and scarce rainfall. After a rainy winter from November 2025 to February 2026 that ended years of drought, recurring heat waves have revived concerns, with climatologists suggesting this reflects a "new warmed climate" since 2010.