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The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Will Ohio see a warmer winter with less snow? What 2026 forecast says

Will Ohio see a warmer winter with less snow? What 2026 forecast says

A new outlook favors a warmer, less snowy Ohio winter. Here's what NOAA says about the strengthening El Niño.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NOAA Predicts Historically Strong El Niño, Potentially Impacting Illinois Winter Snowfall

NOAA Predicts Historically Strong El Niño, Potentially Impacting Illinois Winter Snowfall

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a historically strong El Niño event for the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter, with a more than 90% chance of a "very strong event." There is also a 69% chance that this event will exceed the strength of all El Niño events recorded since 1950. El Niño is a natural warming of seawater in the Pacific Ocean that influences global weather and climate patterns. The Climate Prediction Center reports that El Niño has continued to strengthen, with sea-surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean more than 3.6 degrees above average. This strong El Niño is expected to persist through the end of the year.
The Augusta Chronicle The Augusta Chronicle
Old Farmer's Almanac winter forecast: What's in store for Georgia

Old Farmer's Almanac winter forecast: What's in store for Georgia

The long-range forecast calls for warmer-than-normal temperatures across Georgia, with precipitation varying by region.
1Weather 1Weather
Super El Niño Expected to Disrupt US Winter Weather Patterns

Super El Niño Expected to Disrupt US Winter Weather Patterns

A powerful Super El Niño is developing in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, with water temperatures significantly above average as of August 17, 2026. This phenomenon, which occurs every three to four years, is expected to influence winter weather across the United States from December through February. Historically, strong El Niño events have led to warmer-than-average conditions in the northern U.S., wetter conditions in the southern U.S., and increased storm activity along the southern jet stream. NOAA data indicates that this El Niño could rival or surpass previous records, with a Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) exceeding +2°C. The southern U.S. may experience cooler and wetter conditions, while the northern U.S. is likely to see milder temperatures.
1Weather 1Weather
Super El Niño 2026: Record-Strong Event Expected to Shape Fall and Winter Weather

Super El Niño 2026: Record-Strong Event Expected to Shape Fall and Winter Weather

The latest forecasts indicate that a record-strong Super El Niño is developing, with sea surface temperature anomalies in the central and eastern Pacific exceeding 7°C (12.5°F) above normal, according to NOAA-CRW data. This event is expected to peak above +2.5°C, surpassing the +2°C threshold for a Super El Niño. The phenomenon is already influencing global weather patterns, with high-pressure anomalies over Canada, low-pressure systems in the North Pacific, and an active southern storm track across the United States. These conditions are more typical of winter but are emerging unusually early due to the strength of this El Niño. The event is forecast to continue intensifying, potentially reaching record-breaking levels by late 2026, significantly impacting temperature, precipitation, and storm patterns across the Northern Hemisphere.
1Weather 1Weather
Cool Air Mass Brings Relief to Eastern Corn Belt, Severe Storms Expected in Northern Plains

Cool Air Mass Brings Relief to Eastern Corn Belt, Severe Storms Expected in Northern Plains

A cool air mass originating from Canada is moving into the northern-tier states, bringing relief to the soaked eastern Corn Belt. According to the National Weather Service, this air mass has pushed heavy rain and thunderstorms away from the Midwest and Ohio Valley toward the East Coast as of this morning. However, as the system advances deeper into the Northern Plains, heavy showers and strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop and move toward the Midwest later this evening. Additionally, a slight risk of severe thunderstorms exists farther south across the central Plains. Scattered storms are forecast across central Nebraska, northern Kansas, and as far east as the Mississippi River. Hit-or-miss storms may also occur in the central and southern Rockies and the central High Plains. Meanwhile, the southern tier of the U.S. remains under a steamy air mass, with record highs and warm minimum temperatures expected in the Southeast and desert Southwest by Wednesday.
1Weather 1Weather
El Niño Drives Wildfires and Raises Concerns for 2026 Hurricane Season

El Niño Drives Wildfires and Raises Concerns for 2026 Hurricane Season

The ongoing El Niño weather pattern is significantly impacting weather conditions across the United States, with wildfires and potential hurricane risks being key concerns. According to NOAA, El Niño, part of the larger ENSO system, alters atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns globally. This year, wildfires have ravaged the western U.S., with Oregon experiencing record-breaking damage. Meanwhile, the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be below average in terms of storm numbers, but experts warn that even a single storm could cause catastrophic damage. Historical examples, such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992, highlight the potential for devastation during below-average seasons. Additionally, trends like rapid intensification of storms, rising sea levels, and increased coastal development amplify risks.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Are grocery stores open on Labor Day? Costco, Walmart, Giant Eagle hours

Are grocery stores open on Labor Day? Costco, Walmart, Giant Eagle hours

Labor Day 2026 is almost here. Check what's open, what's closed and what to know before the holiday weekend.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Hurricane season is quiet but a new tropical wave has models buzzing

Hurricane season is quiet but a new tropical wave has models buzzing

Seasonal hurricane projections keep dropping as storm formation lags behind average, but experts stress the danger is far from over.
1Weather 1Weather
San Diego Officials Warn of Potential Flooding Amid Strong El Niño Season

San Diego Officials Warn of Potential Flooding Amid Strong El Niño Season

San Diego city leaders and emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño season, which could bring heavy rainfall and significant flooding. El Niño, a natural warming of parts of the central Pacific Ocean, influences global weather patterns and is expected to reach historic strength this year, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The city has been working to strengthen infrastructure and emergency response systems, but officials emphasize that community preparedness is equally critical. Residents are encouraged to create emergency plans, sign up for alerts at AlertSanDiego.org, and assemble emergency kits with essential supplies. The city has also been maintaining stormwater channels and drains, prioritizing areas impacted by past flooding, such as Southcrest and Encanto. However, officials warn that intense rainfall could still overwhelm the system, posing risks to vulnerable areas.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio's August rainfall far exceeds normal as unusual pattern lingers

Ohio's August rainfall far exceeds normal as unusual pattern lingers

An unusual weather pattern has funneled moisture into Ohio for weeks, making this one of Columbus' wettest starts to August on record.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NOAA Increases Confidence in Potentially Historic El Niño, Southern California Weather Impacts Uncertain

NOAA Increases Confidence in Potentially Historic El Niño, Southern California Weather Impacts Uncertain

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has increased its confidence to 90% that a very strong El Niño will develop this year, up from 81% a month ago. This El Niño could be one of the strongest on historical record, dating back to 1950. El Niño is characterized by a warming of ocean waters off the Pacific coast of South America, typically peaking in winter, which alters atmospheric patterns. While it often leads to an increase in Pacific hurricanes and a decrease in Atlantic ones, and potentially warmer-than-average summers, its specific impacts on regional weather, such as Southern California's winter rainfall, remain uncertain. NBC Los Angeles meteorologist David Biggar noted that a strong El Niño does not guarantee typical impacts everywhere, and past strong El Niño events have resulted in varied outcomes, including some of Los Angeles's driest and wettest years. El Niño is a naturally occurring phenomenon, not caused by climate change, though climate change may influence its frequen...