As a possible El Nino is projected to emerge between May and July 2026, China has upgraded its cloud-based MAZU meteorological early warning system to help countries, especially developing ones, cope with extreme weather.

Launched in response to the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative, MAZU has been accessible to meteorological authorities in over 40 countries since 2024, with tailored versions deployed in Pakistan and Ethiopia.

The updated system was released last week and handed to Jordan and Sri Lanka. It adds overseas cloud nodes, greatly improving loading speed and response efficiency for African and South Asian users.

Powered by AI forecasting models, MAZU delivers superior predictions for heavy rainfall and helps nations guard against floods, droughts and heatwaves.

China plans to further upgrade MAZU and deepen UN cooperation, while WMO supports its wider promotion across the Global South to strengthen global disaster early warning and mitigation.