The UN weather agency warned Thursday that El Niño could become exceptionally strong in the coming months, potentially surpassing levels recorded over four decades. The World Meteorological Organisation said the phenomenon is almost certain to continue through February. El Niño warms Pacific Ocean waters and alters global wind, pressure and rainfall patterns. WMO chief Celeste Saulo said the current trend could push the event beyond previous monitoring records, while the UN chief warned that the world remains in a danger zone of extreme weather.