Earth is almost entirely in the red

Experts say the event is now pushing into unprecedented territory, with vast swathes of the planet forecast to experience unusually warm conditions as the Pacific Ocean releases enormous amounts of stored heat.

The latest update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that El Niño will continue strengthening ahead of a forecasted peak in December.

Scientists say the powerful climate pattern is likely to influence temperatures and rainfall across much of the world in the coming months.

Britons have already been warned to expect large storms this autumn and winter, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging people last month: 'If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't.'

The latest warning comes as meteorologists share striking maps showing large areas of the globe shaded red, indicating a heightened likelihood of above-average temperatures.