California Braces for 'Very Strong' El Niño This Winter
California is preparing for a potentially wet and destructive winter as forecasters predict a 'very strong' El Niño event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, there is a 97% chance that El Niño will be classified as strong or very strong during the three-month period ending in December 2026. This climate pattern, characterized by warmer waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, has historically brought above-average rainfall to Southern California and increased risks of coastal erosion, landslides, and flooding. Additionally, the ongoing marine heat wave off Southern California is expected to be prolonged by this El Niño, potentially impacting marine ecosystems and increasing sightings of tropical species near the coast. (Source: Los Angeles Times, published 2026-07-20 13:30 GMT) 
