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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects a potentially historic 'super El Niño' for the 2026-27 winter season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that a potentially historic 'super El Niño' is taking shape in the Pacific Ocean, with a greater than 90 percent chance of becoming a very strong event during the fall and winter of 2026-27. Forecasters estimate there is a 69 percent chance this event will exceed the strength of previous El Niño cycles dating back to 1950, potentially surpassing the record-setting 1982-83 event. This climate pattern, characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to peak this winter and bring significant weather changes. While it does not guarantee uniform results, a strong El Niño typically shifts the storm track southward, increasing the likelihood of above-normal snowfall in the Southwest and southern Rockies. Conversely, some northern-tier states may experience below-average snowfall. Meteorologists caution that while the increased moisture from the south and west provides a better opportunity for snowstorms, other factors like temperature and smaller-scale weather patterns must align perfectly to produce significant accumulation in specific regions like Denver.

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