Climate
US winter outlook projects warmer, wetter season as near-record El Niño dominates
October 15, 2026 at 09:28 PM
NOAA forecasters have released a winter outlook projecting a warmer and wetter season across most of the US, driven by a near-record El Niño.
- NOAA released its winter outlook Thursday, forecasting above-normal temperatures across most of the lower 48 states and wetter conditions in parts of 39 states.
- NOAA forecasters expect El Niño to peak in December and steer more storms to the southern US while northern regions turn drier and milder.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter over potential flooding, high winds and heavy mountain snow.
- NOAA's Jon Gottschalck said drought conditions should improve or end in western Oregon, Washington, the southwest and the southern Great Plains.