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Strong El Niño Predicted to Bring Warmer, Drier Winter to Pacific Northwest

Strong El Niño Predicted to Bring Warmer, Drier Winter to Pacific Northwest

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported a greater than 90% likelihood of a very strong El Niño event developing during the fall and winter of 2026. This climate phenomenon, characterized by weakened trade winds and warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, is expected to bring significant changes to weather patterns in the Pacific Northwest. According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the region is likely to experience warmer and drier-than-average conditions throughout the winter season. Additionally, the reduced upwelling of cold ocean water associated with El Niño could disrupt marine ecosystems, potentially impacting fisheries. A diminished snowpack is also anticipated in the spring, which could have long-term implications for water resources and agriculture in the area. (Source: KATU, 2026-08-23 14:00:04 GMT)
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70% Chance of Record El Niño Winter in Western Washington

70% Chance of Record El Niño Winter in Western Washington

Meteorologists are forecasting a strong El Niño event for the upcoming winter in Western Washington, with a 70% chance of it being a record-breaking occurrence since 1950. The eastern Pacific tropical waters near Peru have warmed significantly, by approximately 2°C (3.5°F) above average, due to weakened easterly trade winds. This phenomenon is expected to result in a southern winter storm track, leading to warmer-than-average temperatures and potentially drier conditions in the Pacific Northwest. The fall outlook also predicts warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall, extending the wildfire season into September. Additionally, the region is likely to experience below-average mountain snowpack for the fifth consecutive year, impacting skiers and water resource management.
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El Niño Expected to Bring Historic Snowfall and Ice Risks Across the U.S.

El Niño Expected to Bring Historic Snowfall and Ice Risks Across the U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has raised the likelihood of a very strong El Niño event for the 2026-2027 winter season to over 90%, with sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific exceeding 3.0°C. This phenomenon is expected to significantly alter weather patterns across the United States. NOAA's snowfall maps indicate a stark divide: the West and parts of the Mid-Atlantic are likely to experience above-average snowfall, while the northern tier of the country is expected to see warmer, less snowy conditions. The Southeast and East Coast are forecasted to receive above-normal precipitation, with a mix of snow, ice, and rain depending on temperatures. The Sierra Nevada and other high-elevation areas in the West could see record-breaking snowfall, particularly in January, while the East Coast faces heightened risks of freezing rain and icy conditions.
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Super El Niño Expected to Influence US Wildfire Risks

Super El Niño Expected to Influence US Wildfire Risks

A strong El Niño event is developing, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a greater than 90% chance of a 'very strong' El Niño during the fall and winter of 2026-27. This phenomenon, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is characterised by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, which can significantly alter global weather patterns. According to meteorologist Chad Merrill, this El Niño is expected to bring above-average precipitation to regions such as California, the Great Basin, the Southwest, the southern Plains, and parts of the Southeast and East Coast. However, northern areas like Montana, the Dakotas, and the Great Lakes may experience drier conditions, potentially increasing wildfire risks. The event is expected to strengthen through the end of 2026, with its effects possibly lingering into the summer of 2027. (Source time: not specified)
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Sierra Pacific Industries, a Major U.S. Lumber Producer, Emphasizes Internal Growth and Sustainable Forestry

Sierra Pacific Industries, a Major U.S. Lumber Producer, Emphasizes Internal Growth and Sustainable Forestry

Sierra Pacific Industries, a Major U.S. Lumber Producer, Emphasizes Internal Growth and Sustainable Forestry
Springfield News-Leader Springfield News-Leader
Missouri ranked one of the worst states for teen drivers. Why?

Missouri ranked one of the worst states for teen drivers. Why?

See why WalletHub ranked the Show Me State as one the worst in the nation for teen drivers.
AP News AP News
Victims of quintuple homicide in Oregon include suspect's girlfriend and her relatives

Victims of quintuple homicide in Oregon include suspect's girlfriend and her relatives

Oregon authorities have identified the victims of what's being investigated as a quintuple homicide on a rural property outside Portland
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Sierra Pacific Industries Expands Workforce and Sustainable Forestry Practices in U.S.

Sierra Pacific Industries Expands Workforce and Sustainable Forestry Practices in U.S.

Sierra Pacific Industries Expands Workforce and Sustainable Forestry Practices in U.S.
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Potentially Historic El Niño Event Expected to Strengthen in 2026

Potentially Historic El Niño Event Expected to Strengthen in 2026

The Pacific Ocean is experiencing a significant warming trend this summer, signaling the development of a potentially historic El Niño event, according to USA Today (22 Aug 2026). Scientists are observing unusually high sea surface temperatures and increased tropical activity in the eastern Pacific, which are indicators of a strong El Niño. Experts are debating whether this event could surpass the intensity of previous notable El Niño occurrences, such as those in 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially classifies this as a 'very strong' El Niño based on a three-month average, some scientists and media outlets have referred to it as a 'super' or 'mega' El Niño. This event is expected to peak later in 2026, potentially becoming one of the most intense El Niño events on record.
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Suspect Found Dead After Five People Killed at Rural Oregon Home

Suspect Found Dead After Five People Killed at Rural Oregon Home

A suspect in the killings of five individuals at a rural Oregon home has been found dead in Enumclaw, Washington. Benjamin Charles Parker, 36, was discovered deceased inside a vehicle on Sunday, approximately a day after firefighters responding to a vehicle fire near Forest Grove, Oregon, uncovered five bodies and several dead domesticated animals at a property. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office believes Parker died by suicide and has stated there is no ongoing danger to the public. Authorities have not yet released the identities, ages, or causes of death of the five victims, nor have they detailed Parker’s connection to them or a possible motive. The sheriff’s office is investigating the deaths as a quintuple homicide, with Detective Shannon Wilde indicating that investigators do not believe the killings were random. Sheriff Caprice Massey described the case as unusually complex, noting her 22 years of experience with the agency.
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Suspect in Oregon Quintuple Homicide Found Deceased in Washington

Suspect in Oregon Quintuple Homicide Found Deceased in Washington

The suspect in a complex Oregon homicide case, 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker, has been found dead in Enumclaw, Washington. Authorities believe Parker died by suicide. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sunday that Parker was located in his car behind an Enumclaw Safeway. This development follows the discovery of five deceased individuals and several domestic animals on a rural property in Forest Grove, Oregon, on Saturday. Deputies were initially called to the scene to assist the Forest Grove Fire Department with a vehicle fire, where human remains were subsequently found. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, leading the investigation with the Major Crimes Team, has stated that they do not believe this was a random act of violence and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The identities of the five victims are still being determined, and autopsies will be performed by state medical examiners.
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Seattle District Restores Flood Protection After Historic Pacific Northwest Flooding

Seattle District Restores Flood Protection After Historic Pacific Northwest Flooding

In December 2025, a series of powerful atmospheric rivers brought unprecedented rainfall to the Pacific Northwest, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage across Washington, Montana, and Idaho (DVIDS, 2026). Western Washington experienced over 10 inches of rain in some areas, leading to rapid river rises and widespread flooding. Major rivers such as the Nooksack, Skagit, Cedar, Green, and White overflowed, threatening levees and critical infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Seattle District, initiated a 24-hour emergency response to mitigate the immediate impacts. Since then, the district has been working to restore damaged flood protection systems under Public Law 84-99, which authorizes repairs to levees and other flood risk reduction structures. As of August 2026, 14 rehabilitation projects are underway, with some already completed, including the Skagit River Diking District 1 levee near Mount Vernon, Washington.