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UN Meteorological Organization

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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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Climate Change Significantly Increases Wildfire Risk in France and Spain, Scientists Report

Researchers link human-caused climate change to heightened wildfire conditions in southwestern France and central Spain, urging enhanced prevention strategies.

France 24 English | Jul 30, 2026, 11:51 PM

The United Nations Security Council Chamber in New York, also known as the Norwegian Room

global-institutions

UN Warns Climate-Driven Disasters Reach ‘Nightmare Proportions’ Amid Global Heatwaves and Wildfires

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlights escalating climate crises worldwide, with record temperatures and widespread wildfires causing severe human and economic impacts.

UN News | Jul 29, 2026, 1:06 AM

General civic government setting without campaign branding or identifiable officials.

Trump Administration Appoints Climate Skeptic to Lead US Climate Report

Matthew Wielicki, a former geochemist critical of established climate science, has been named head of the US Global Change Research Program amid concerns from scientific communities.

Guardian US | Jul 10, 2026, 10:43 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

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

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