World Meteorological Organization warns of strong El Niño with global impacts
via Le Matin2 min read
The World Meteorological Organization WMO estimates an 80% probability of an El Niño episode occurring between June and August 2026, with a 90% chance it will continue until at least November. While the maximum intensity remains uncertain, most models predict at least a moderate, if not strong, episode. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that "science is clear: El Niño is at our doorstep with 90% certainty," calling it an "urgent climate warning" that will "fuel the fire of a warming world." He urged strengthened climate action, including phasing out fossil fuels and deploying early warning systems. Observations show that sea surface temperatures in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific have reached near El Niño thresholds, driven by underwater anomalies exceeding 6°C above average. The Southern Oscillation Index, an atmospheric component of the phenomenon, confirms this trend. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the world must prepare for a potentially strong episode, which could intensify droughts, extreme rainfall, and heatwaves, noting that the 2023-2024 episode was among the five most intense ever recorded and contributed to global temperature records. The WMO emphasizes that its forecasts, developed with international climate centers and national meteorological services, are essential for governments, humanitarian agencies, and sensitive sectors like agriculture, health, and energy. A complementary seasonal climate update anticipates above-normal
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The FRMF Steering Committee met on Thursday and described the Moroccan national team's participation in the 2026 World Cup finals as "positive and honorable." Members unanimously highlighted that qualifying for the quarterfinals was an "exploit that marks the continuity of national football development." They also emphasized the importance of learning from this experience to maintain the same level in future competitions. The committee condemned false information circulated by some individuals after the France-Morocco quarter-final match. Abdeslam Belkchour, president of the National Professional Football League, reiterated the committee's satisfaction with the players' performance, stating, "The steering committee praised the heroic performance and the great sense of national duty shown by the players, who took on great responsibilities during all the matches played." He categorically rejected allegations of any relaxation during the last match, dismissing them as rumors and falsehoods aimed at the national team. Belkchour also praised the positive role played by the players' families during the World Cup, noting their moral support and continuous accompaniment. Finally, he confirmed that the committee has renewed its confidence in national coach Mohamed Ouahbi to continue his mission in upcoming continental and regional competitions.
Jorge Vilda has unveiled the 26-player squad for the Atlas Lionesses ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026, which Morocco will host. The team aims to secure their first continental title after reaching two consecutive finals. Key players like captain Ghizlane Chebbak, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, Fatima Tagnaout, Ibtissam Jraidi, and Najat Badri are included. This edition marks the third consecutive time Morocco has hosted the tournament, and it will feature an expanded format of 16 teams, up from 12 in previous editions. Morocco is in Group A, alongside Senegal, Algeria, and Kenya. Having been finalists in 2022 against South Africa and in 2025 against Nigeria, the Atlas Lionesses are determined to win the title on home soil. The full squad includes goalkeepers Khadija Er-Rmichi, Inès Arouaissa, and Fatima-Zahra El Jebraoui; defenders Hanane Aït El Haj, Zineb Redouani, Aziza Rabbah, Siham Boukhami, Rania Boutiebi, Nouhaila Benzina, Meryem Atiq, and Nesryne El Chad; midfielders Ghizlane Chebbak, Najat Badri, Élodie Nakkach, Yasmine M’Rabet, Soumia Hady, and Hajar Saïd; and forwards Fatima Tagnaout, Ibtissam Jraidi, Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui, Imane Saoud, Kenza Chapelle, Jade Nassi, Kautar Azraf, and Chaimaa Mourtaji.
Morocco has been selected to host the 5th edition of the African Slam Poetry Cup CASP in 2027. The organizing committee officially announced the decision after evaluating applications from various candidate countries. This selection recognizes the efforts of the SLAM'AROC Association in promoting slam poetry and cultural exchange across Africa. The CASP organizing committee, along with jury members, has been reviewing applications since January 2025. The SLAM'AROC Association has been involved with the African Slam Poetry Cup network since 2018, working to foster artistic exchange, facilitate artist mobility, and establish slam as a platform for dialogue among African peoples. The African Slam Poetry Cup is a significant event for slam poetry on the continent, bringing together artists from numerous African countries for competitions, performances, workshops, professional meetings, and cultural activities for diverse audiences. The 2027 edition will be organized by SLAM'AROC in collaboration with the Koun Aktif Association. Organizers aim to create a major cultural event showcasing the diversity of African artistic expressions, celebrating dialogue between languages, cultures, narratives, and poetry. Slam is presented as a tool for creation, transmission, citizenship, and fostering connections between people. The CASP president emphasized that the competition aligns with a pan-African approach focused on cooperation and synergy of African artistic talents, aiming to enhance t