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El Niño locks in, with impacts to hurricane season and South Florida weather likely
NBC 6 South Florida • • nation
Key Points:
- El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer Pacific Ocean waters, has solidified and is expected to strengthen through 2026, potentially reaching historic levels by early 2027.
- The phenomenon is forecasted to suppress Atlantic hurricane activity during the 2026 season, with an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño by year-end, leading to a likely below-average hurricane season in South Florida.
- Colorado State University projects only 9 named storms and 4 hurricanes for the upcoming season, significantly lower than recent years like 2020 and 2021.
- Despite a quieter hurricane season, South Florida may experience a cooler, wetter winter with increased storminess and severe weather risks due to El Niño's prolonged influence through spring 2027.
- Historical parallels to the 2015-2016 El Niño winter suggest potential for record wet conditions and severe storms in South Florida, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the season unfolds.
