All eyes are on this new El Niño forecast for California

Key Points:

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the current El Niño as "very strong," with an 83% chance it will become historic by 2027, potentially surpassing all events since 1950.
• This El Niño event, first observed in June, is driving above-average ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific, intensifying the eastern Pacific hurricane season and causing large waves and coastal flooding risks in California.
• California is already experiencing elevated sea levels due to a combination of El Niño effects, climate change, marine heat waves, storm surges, and high tides, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency.
• Meteorologists forecast above-normal precipitation across California this winter, with a 70-100% chance of a very wet season, as El Niño shifts the Pacific jet stream southward, increasing rainfall especially in Southern California.
• Scientists note this El Niño is occurring in a warmer climate than previous strong events, which could amplify its impacts, and they continue to monitor its evolving strength and effects on weather patterns.