Science & Space
El Nino Points to Warmer Northern U.S., Wetter Southern Winter
NOAA forecasts a warmer northern U.S. and wetter southern and eastern regions from December 2026 through February 2027.
What happened
NOAA’s 2026-27 Winter Outlook says a very strong El Nino is likely to bring warmer-than-average temperatures across much of the northern U.S. and wetter conditions from the Southwest through the South and East Coast. Drought is expected to improve or end across several southern and eastern areas, while parts of the northern Rockies may worsen.
Why it matters
Higher rainfall and snowfall could ease drought, but NOAA warns that heavy precipitation on dry soil can trigger flash floods and mudslides.
Source: NOAA News