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El Niño 90% Likely to Bring Wetter Winters

8/13/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. faces an El Niño with a 90% chance of being among the season’s strongest.
NOAA forecasts a 75% chance of below-normal Atlantic hurricane activity with 7–13 storms.
Forecasters say the El Niño could bring wetter, snowier winters to California, Colorado and Utah, disrupt rice, sugar and coffee imports, carries 69% chance of staying strong in 2026 and a 97% chance of persisting into 2027, and may extend Northwest fire season.

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Story summary

The U.S. faces an El Niño with a 90% chance of being among the season’s strongest.
NOAA forecasts a 75% chance of below-normal Atlantic hurricane activity with 7–13 storms.
Forecasters say the El Niño could bring wetter, snowier winters to California, Colorado and Utah, disrupt rice, sugar and coffee imports, carries 69% chance of staying strong in 2026 and a 97% chance of persisting into 2027, and may extend Northwest fire season.