(Published in Oracle Visionary October)
There is a buzz about super El Niño coming to us this fall and winter. The word is, it will be super catastrophic like a Noah’s Ark sequel in many regions. So, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into what may happen in the United States…
What El Niño Means for Winter 2026–2027
Researchers note the October–December anomaly are the criteria for a “strong” to potentially “super” El Niño event. El Niño’s strongest winter effects typically peak January through March 2027.
Simply put, El Ninio is a naturally occurring climate pattern known for its unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, caused by weakening trade winds. It affects weather around the globe, not just the West Coast. South or Northeast. Indeed, it can trigger severe droughts, floods, and agricultural disruptions worldwide. Think severe droughts in parts of Australia, Indonesia, and heavy flooding and rain in parts of the southern United States, notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And it is starting now…
Get a Canoe or ARK for the U.S.
Here are the major El Niño weather events and impacts for the United States, that may or may not happen:
U.S. Gulf Coast and Southeast: Look forward to a wetter winter, which brings a higher risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding.
Southern California and the Southwest: These regions may be challenged by storm activity, extreme rainfall during the winter months, which can alleviate long-term drought but also trigger coastal erosion, mudslides, and high surf in the Gulf.
Northern U.S. and Canada: The odds are these regions are not immune and may experience warmer and drier than average winter conditions, leading to reduced snowpacks in certain regions. There’s more.
Thanks to global climate warming, El Niño creates higher temperatures, leading to risks of prolonged heatwaves. Recently, people are noting the SoCal ocean is “hot” and fear more sharks like Hawaii…
And note, during strong El Niño years, the U.S. South experiences a stormier winter climate, driven by a shifted and highly active southern jet stream that directs heavy rainfall and frequent storms across the region. Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada mountain range often experiences a mixture of heavy winter precipitation. Think “SNAIN” or a mix of slushy rain and snow at lower lake level, thanks to warm atmospheric rivers that drop rain rather than snow at higher elevations. Perhaps the higher elevations will get good snowfall but it may battle slush, too as the season will be warmer.
Here Comes the Rain!
So, yes, the fall-winter of 2026–2027 may deliver sharp contrasts across the country. Some regions could face repeated storms, raw rain, and heavy, wet snow, while others experience milder stretches interrupted by quick cold snaps.
West Coast: The Pacific Northwest may experience a more changeable and somewhat less dependable snow season.
South: An active storm track may extend from Southern California and the Desert Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast. These areas should watch for frequent storm systems, muddy fields, and surges of cold snaps.
Midwest: When that colder air meets abundant moisture, some storms could produce sleet, freezing rain, or heavy, wet snow. The Rockies may get mountain snowfall.
Northeast: The Northeast may face one of the season’s most complicated winter patterns. Coastal communities could receive more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland areas may be hit by several rounds of heavy, wet snow—particularly during January and February. Last year extreme flooding hit the Pacific Northwest—it’s possible both the East and West may be under water causing mega trouble to the infrastructure, environment, and travel. And that’s not all!
So, Where Exactly Will the Most Precipitation Fall?
An active southern storm track is expected to bring heavier-than-normal precipitation from the Pacific including Hawaii (they have recently been getting hit with hurricanes, flooding, flash floods). California (during the Harvest Moon and King Tides) has experienced huge waves, coastal erosion, flooding), and the Southwest eastward through Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast will likely experience nature’s wrath, too. A second storm path may guide weather systems along the Eastern Seaboard, bringing additional opportunities for rain, wintry mixes, and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England. Note: The cold rain may morph into a slushy snowfall into a significant winter storm or more.
The Bottom Line: Winter 2026–2027 may be defined by contrasts: an active and wet southern storm track, quick bursts of snow and cold across the North, and a particularly unpredictable mix of precipitation in the Northeast. Best advice: Prepare now with food, water, pet food, and medicines. Keep the snow shovel, rain boots, and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three.
California Nightmare: Sliding into the Sea
News Flash: The Golden State announced a state of emergency for El Niño. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to trigger resources, stage flood-fighting equipment, and prepare infrastructure for a potentially historic El Niño storm season… As a native Californian I survived El Niño episodes, bringing memories of extreme weather, heavy rainfall, severe coastal erosion, and widespread flooding to the state.
· 1982–1983 El Niño: Triggered torrential downpours and severe winter storms across California and Santa Cruz Mountains; residents had to travel in canoes! Caused massive coastal erosion, destroying numerous beachfront homes. piers, and highway sections (notably along the Pacific Coast Highway). Brought heavy mountain snowpacks that later triggered massive spring snowmelt flooding in valleys.
· 1997–1998 El Niño (often grouped around the late 1990s): Reno, Nevada was underwater! Recognized as one of the strongest El Niño events of the 20th century, rivaling the 1982-1983 season. It dumped record-breaking rainfall, causing mudslides, landslides, and
CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. Currently, her new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised is available at all bookstores. Her website is http://www.calorey.com.
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