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NOAA Confirms Super El Niño, Predicts Wet California Winter

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced sea-surface temperatures 2.6 °C above normal in the eastern Pacific, confirming a super El Niño.
United States climate scientists say the 2026 super El Niño could bring one of California’s wettest winters, with a 70-100% chance of above-average precipitation.
Daniel Swain of the California Institute for Water Resources warned the El Niño will raise the likelihood of coastal flooding and king tides along Southern California.

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Story summary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced sea-surface temperatures 2.6 °C above normal in the eastern Pacific, confirming a super El Niño.
United States climate scientists say the 2026 super El Niño could bring one of California’s wettest winters, with a 70-100% chance of above-average precipitation.
Daniel Swain of the California Institute for Water Resources warned the El Niño will raise the likelihood of coastal flooding and king tides along Southern California.