El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures rise above average in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which shifts global weather patterns and increases Earth’s average temperature. The impacts of El Niño vary by region, but the West Coast of the U.S. typically sees a significant jump in sea levels.

A strengthening El Niño could reach “super” status this year, raising odds of a record event lasting into 2027.

California could see one of its strongest El Niño winters on record, bringing heavier rain, flooding risks and extreme weather statewide.

Weather system tied to warming sea surface expected to intensify in fall and winter, persisting until early spring 2027

Experts warn a strengthening Super El Niño could drive a volatile, storm‑heavy 2026–2027 winter across the U.S.

The looming El Niño could bring one of the wettest winters on record to California, according to renowned climatologist Daniel Swain.

The World Meteorological Organization expects El Niño to persist well into late 2026, meaning its most significant effects on U.S. weather are likely to emerge during fall and peak through winter.

The South is notably devoid of ski resorts (except for the handful in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama, of course), but Winter 26/27 could bring colder-than-average temperatures. The Farmer’s Almanac is also calling for “wet” conditions from Texas to Florida and up through Kentucky.

Very strong El Niño events can influence winter weather across the U.S. in several states.

This year’s weather pattern is set to be one of the strongest since 1950, raising the risk of food shortages and inflation

The El Niño could be the most powerful in decades, fueling major threats to fragile economies around the world.

El Nino is expected to strengthen through October, raising risks for India's agriculture, food prices, hydropower and rural demand. Here's how India could be affected.