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NOAA Warns Flash Flood Risk as El Niño Warms Winters

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 2:37 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

NOAA Predicts Warm Winter

NOAA predicts above-average temperatures across the Midwest, Northeast, and East for Dec 2026-Feb 2027.
NOAA expects below-normal snowfall in the Northeast, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Northern Rockies.
NOAA projects drought improvement or end in the Southwest, Southern Great Plains, Southeast, and parts of the East Coast.
NOAA warns heavy rain on dry soil could cause flash floods and mudslides in drought-affected areas.

Summary

Newsom Declares Emergency

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency ahead of the El Niño winter.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe began snowmaking to target an early November opening.
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine ski resorts plan extra artificial snow to offset warmer forecasts.
NOAA issued a flash-flood warning, prompting municipalities to earmark emergency funds for mitigation.
Southern California’s projected above-normal rains could strain water-management systems, leading utilities to prepare plans.

Summary

Illinois Climatologist Warns

Illinois’ official climatologist says strong El Niño events usually bring warmer-than-average, drier-than-average Chicago winters.
Chicago typically receives about 38 inches of snow each season, most falling in January and February.
Average winter precipitation in the Chicago area equals roughly two inches of liquid water per month.
Researchers warn that despite overall warmth, occasional cold snaps and major winter storms remain possible.

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NOAA Predicts Warm Winter

NOAA predicts above-average temperatures across the Midwest, Northeast, and East for Dec 2026-Feb 2027.
NOAA expects below-normal snowfall in the Northeast, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Northern Rockies.
NOAA projects drought improvement or end in the Southwest, Southern Great Plains, Southeast, and parts of the East Coast.
NOAA warns heavy rain on dry soil could cause flash floods and mudslides in drought-affected areas.

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