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NOAA: El Niño Strengthens, 90% Chance of Very Strong Winter

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 12:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. NOAA Climate Prediction Center says El Niño is strengthening with over 90% chance of a very strong fall-winter event.
Meteorologist Chad Merrill warns that vortex weakening from mid-January to February could bring a cold spell to northern United States.
Merrill says El Niño and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation will dominate U.S. winter, not the polar vortex.

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Story summary

U.S. NOAA Climate Prediction Center says El Niño is strengthening with over 90% chance of a very strong fall-winter event.
Meteorologist Chad Merrill warns that vortex weakening from mid-January to February could bring a cold spell to northern United States.
Merrill says El Niño and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation will dominate U.S. winter, not the polar vortex.