Residents evacuate their homes after storms battered Santiago, Chile, on Oct. 13, 2026. Floodwater can carry many health threats.

As communities around the world shore up their infrastructure in anticipation of one of the most powerful El Niños on record in late 2026 and early 2027, they need to think about rising health risks, too – and include them in early weather warnings.

El Niño is part of a natural climate phenomenon that shifts global weather patterns for months at a time. During El Niño years, global temperatures tend to rise, triggering heat waves; normally dry regions can be hit with flooding rainfall; and normally wet regions often face droughts. All carry serious health risks.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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