El Niño is here, threatening to bring warmer global temperatures as it strengthens over the Pacific Ocean. Forecasts are anticipating it might be the strongest in living memory—but the impact will likely vary depending on where you’re located. Here’s what to expect, and how you can prepare.
Read more: How El Niño May Test the Limits of Our Climate Knowledge El Niño began forming in the early summer and is expected to last into 2027, reaching its peak strength in the last two months of 2026. The impact it has will vary. Forecasts predict that the system will bring drought conditions to southern Africa, southeast Asia, and the northern parts of South America, while parts of East Africa and the southern U.S. might see stormier weather and flooding.
An El Niño event increases global temperatures, which, coupled with rising temperatures fueled by climate change, means 2027 could shape up to be the warmest year on record, if predictions hold true. The impact will be felt around the world. In the U.S., El Niño often brings a warmer than usual winter to the northern U.S., and a wetter, cooler winter in the south, with a higher likelihood for rain and snow.
However, it doesn’t mean these conditions are a given. If you live in an area that’s likely to see stormy weather this winter, preparing for El Niño doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure the area around your home has good drainage, clear your gutters, and patch up any leaks. .
Some of the weather impacts that El Niño may bring—like snowstorms or flash floods—can come during a normal winter. It presents an opportunity for governments to make sure they’re prepared to tackle extreme weather events that are only becoming more common due to climate change. Cities can prepare in advance: setting up cooling centers and creating action plans to help those most vulnerable to extreme heat or helping residents understand flood risk and purchase flood insurance.
If we actually do take this seriously, and we prepare, this could be a year where we don't have big impacts,” says Coughlan de Perez. We shouldn't be caught unaware.” Funding cuts to federal agencies, including NOAA and the National Weather Service, however, is leading to some concerns about U.S. preparedness levels when it comes to facing extreme weather. According to the Center for American Progress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s funding has been drained to “emergency” levels.
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