Entity Index

Strong El Niño

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The arrival of El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean triggers a cascade of changes in tropical rainfall and wind patterns that echo around the globe. For the United States, the most significant impact is a shift in the path of the mid-latitude jet streams. These swift, high-level winds play a major role in separating warm and cool air masses and steering storms from the Pacific across the U.S. This map illustrates the typical impacts of El Niño on U.S. winter weather. During El Niño, the Pacific jet stream is more reliable across the southern tier of the United States. Southern and interior Alaska and the Pacific Northwest tend to be warmer than average, and the southern tier of U.S. states—from California to the Carolinas—tends to be wetter than average. Farther north, the Ohio and Upper Mississippi River Valleys may be drier than usual. One or more of these climate patterns have occurred during many El Niño events in the past. That doesn’t mean that all of these impacts happen during every episode. Every event is somewhat different. In other words, the influence of El Niño on U.S. winter climate is a matter of probability, not certainty. El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a natural climate pattern across the tropical Pacific Ocean that swings back and forth every 3-7 years on average. El Niño and La Niña alternately warm and cool large areas of the tropical Pacific—the world’s largest ocean—which significantly influences where and how much it rains there. Like a boulder dropped into a stream, this shift in the location of tropical rainfall disrupts the atmospheric circulation patterns that connect the tropics with the middle latitudes, which in turn modifies the mid-latitude jet streams. By modifying the jet streams, El Niño and La Niña can affect temperature and precipitation across the United States and other parts of the world. The influence on the U.S. is strongest during the winter (December-February), but it may linger into early spring.

global-institutions

UN Weather Agency Warns of Strong El Niño Developing from August

The UN Meteorological Organization forecasts intensifying El Niño conditions that could drive extreme weather globally, urging early action amid unprecedented ocean heat.

Jul 31, 2026, 7:29 PM UN News

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world

Super El Niño Expected to Cause Major Economic Losses Across Africa

African Development Bank warns of a $10 billion to $20 billion economic impact and lasting effects on GDP due to a strong El Niño event.

Africanews | Jul 27, 2026, 8:08 AM

global-institutions

IOM Warns of El Niño Threat to Displaced Families in Venezuela After Earthquakes

Thousands remain displaced three weeks after twin earthquakes in Venezuela, with a strong El Niño climate pattern potentially worsening humanitarian conditions, the International Organization for Migration says.

UN News | Jul 18, 2026, 4:28 AM

US National Weather Service Warns of Historic El Niño Likely to Intensify Global Weather

Forecasters predict an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño developing by the end of 2026, with conditions expected to persist through spring 2027, raising concerns about intensified heatwaves and weather disruptions worldwide.

Guardian US | Jul 9, 2026, 11:28 PM

global-institutions

WMO Warns of Intensifying El Niño and Rising Global Temperatures

The UN World Meteorological Organization forecasts strong El Niño conditions developing rapidly, increasing the likelihood of major heatwaves and weather extremes worldwide.

UN News | Jul 3, 2026, 5:18 PM

global-institutions

Western Europe Records Hottest June as Climate Change Drives Rising Heat Extremes

The World Meteorological Organization reports Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record in 2026, with global sea surface temperatures also reaching new highs amid escalating climate impacts.

UN News | Jul 10, 2026, 3:55 AM

global-institutions

Southwest Pacific Faces Escalating Climate Risks as Last Tropical Glacier Nears Disappearance

The World Meteorological Organization warns of rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and the imminent loss of the region’s last tropical glacier, threatening ecosystems and coastal communities.

UN News | Jul 8, 2026, 12:32 AM

world

Eight Dead, One Missing After Tornado and Rainstorms Hit Central China

Severe weather including tornadoes and flooding has caused deaths and widespread evacuations in Hubei and Guangxi provinces, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for urgent rescue efforts.

Al Jazeera | Jul 7, 2026, 3:59 AM

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