Visitors navigate breaking waves along the coastline of Windansea Beach in La Jolla on June 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
New seasonal forecast data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) shows that the El Niño event in the central Pacific Ocean is rapidly surging toward record territory, which increases the odds of a wetter winter for both the East and West coasts of the U.S.
"The latest data from the ECMWF's plume of forecast members is surging toward the top of the charts, confirming that a monster El Niño is rapidly locking into place," the FOX Forecast Center said.
WHAT ARE EL NINO AND LA NINA CLIMATE PATTERNS?
This graphic shows the El Niño zone. (FOX Weather)
El Niño is one of three phases of a climate cycle called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It describes natural temperature changes in the central Pacific Ocean that alter atmospheric circulation and can greatly influence global weather.
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El Niño describes warmer than average water across the equatorial Pacific, while La Niña describes colder than average water conditions, and ENSO neutral refers to a state where temperatures are close to average.
When sea surface temperatures in the El Niño zone reach at least 2 degrees Celsius above average, many meteorologists consider a "super" El Niño to be underway.
Forecast strength of El Niño. (FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
The latest ECMWF seasonal forecast projects sea surface temperature anomalies peaking between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius above average — which would be historic territory.
During El Niño, above-average water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean produce strong winds that hinder tropical development in the Atlantic and enhance development in the Eastern Pacific.
Despite its impact on hurricane season, most of the impacts of El Niño events are felt during the winter months rather than the summer over the U.S., with this particular El Niño expected to reach peak strength from November through January.
El Niño effect on tropical development.(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
The ECMWF model projects a greater likelihood of above-average precipitation for the East, especially the coastal regions, stretching from New England all the way through Florida.
HERE'S HOW EL NIÑO AFFECTS THE FUTURE OF CORAL REEFS
In addition, temperatures are forecast to be near or just slightly above average. Combined, these conditions could increase the chances for winter storms during the holidays and into the colder months.
July ECMWF model projects an increased signal of above-average precipitation for the East Coast. Meanwhile, much of the West Coast, including all of California, would be under the influence of above-average rain.(FOX Weather)
The ECMWF model projects a greater likelihood of above-average precipitation for the East, especially the coastal regions, stretching from New England all the way through Florida.
HERE'S HOW EL NIÑO AFFECTS THE FUTURE OF CORAL REEFS
In addition, temperatures are forecast to be near or just slightly above average. Combined, these conditions could increase the chances for winter storms during the holidays and into the colder months.
Typical El Niño winter impacts. (FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
However, this kind of extreme global pattern is not built for endurance. In fact, the stronger the El Niño event becomes, the more rapidly it tends to self-destruct.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, since 1970, there have been five recorded Super El Niño events followed by a swift decline into either neutral or La Niña conditions.
On Thursday, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will release its latest ENSO forecast, which should provide more indications of exactly how powerful this El Niño event will become.
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