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Record 2.5 °C El Niño Threatens Midwest Ice Storms 2026-27

8/5/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A very strong El Niño with a 2.5 °C sea-surface temperature anomaly is expected to shape West Michigan’s 2026-27 winter.
The event will push the polar jet north, bringing drier weather to the northern U.S. and moving the subtropical jet north, which could ease droughts but raise Midwest ice-storm risk.
Strong El Niños in 1982, 1997, 2015 and 2023 produced low Grand Rapids snowfall, with the 2023-24 season recording 47.5 inches in January.

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Story summary

A very strong El Niño with a 2.5 °C sea-surface temperature anomaly is expected to shape West Michigan’s 2026-27 winter.
The event will push the polar jet north, bringing drier weather to the northern U.S. and moving the subtropical jet north, which could ease droughts but raise Midwest ice-storm risk.
Strong El Niños in 1982, 1997, 2015 and 2023 produced low Grand Rapids snowfall, with the 2023-24 season recording 47.5 inches in January.