African Union El Nino — The African Union has called on its member states to intensify preparations for a strong El Nino event expected to escalate from August, warning that the climate phenomenon could bring severe weather disruptions across Africa. The World Meteorological Organization forecasts that this El Nino could be among the most intense in decades, raising the risk of extreme droughts, floods, and heatwaves on the continent.
Recent warnings come as North Africa and Southern Europe endure record-breaking heat, with Tunisia experiencing temperatures above 49 degrees Celsius and several countries battling wildfires. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking in New York, cautioned that the impending El Nino could amplify the ongoing impacts of climate change worldwide.
AU mobilizes governments and sectors
Africa is still reeling from the devastating 2026-2026 El Nino, which led to widespread crop failures, livestock losses, and pushed millions into hunger. Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General of the African Center of Meteorological Application for Development, stated that the current El Nino is the strongest in 30 years, with models predicting above-average rainfall in East Africa from August to November and severe drought in Southern Africa from November through January. Ndiaye warned that these shifts could have a “very, very strong” negative impact on populations across the region.
In response, the African Union convened a ministerial meeting to review national preparedness and enhance early warning systems. Ethiopia, which expects heavy rainfall and potential flooding, has already begun national-level planning involving key ministries and stakeholders. Meteku Bedru, advisor to Ethiopia’s minister of water and energy, said the country is working to minimize the effects on infrastructure, livelihoods, and lives.
Harsen Nyambe, the African Union’s Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, explained that officials from water, health, energy, and agriculture sectors are coordinating efforts to help their sectors withstand the expected disruptions. “Member states are at different levels of preparedness, but at the continental level, we have brought together users of climate information to ensure they are ready,” Nyambe said.
The AU emphasized that early planning and coordination are crucial to reducing the socio-economic impacts of the projected El Nino, especially as millions across Africa remain vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The continent-wide effort aims to strengthen resilience and protect communities from the worst effects of the coming extreme weather.