If the scientific community’s dire predictions will come to pass, the active El Niño weather phenomenon that is widely predicted to reach its peak in the last quarter of this year—with the impact to be felt well into 2027—will be among the worst on record, possibly exceeding the strength of previous cycles dating back to 1950.

Unfortunately for the Philippines, it was listed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations among the countries “at highest risk of severe humanitarian impacts” caused or worsened by the “Super El Niño,” which is characterized by hotter and drier conditions, meaning prolonged droughts, possible water shortages, extreme heat, and consequently further slowdown in the broader economy.

“El Niño in Spanish means boy child—but it has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world. We are already seeing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods and we expect these impacts to increase as El Niño intensifies,” warned WMO Secretary General Celeste Saulo.