El Niño Threatens San Diego With Historic Weather
San Diego is bracing for a potentially historic El Niño event during the fall and winter of 2026-27. According to NOAA, there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño developing, with a 75% likelihood of it reaching historic strength between October and December. El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, can significantly alter atmospheric circulation and storm tracks. Past events, such as the 1997-98 El Niño, brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and coastal damage to the region. While NOAA cautions that not all El Niño events produce identical impacts, the current forecast raises concerns about potential severe weather in Southern California. Historical data shows that El Niño can lead to swollen rivers, saturated hillsides, and powerful surf, posing risks to infrastructure and communities.
