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Map Shows Potential Snowfall Across US As Super El Niño Chances Climb
Newsweek • • nation
Key Points:
- NOAA and the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center report a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event developing in fall and winter 2026-27, with a 69% chance it will become a record-breaking "super El Niño."
- The El Niño is expected to shift snowfall patterns in the U.S., favoring above-normal snow in the Southwest and southern Rockies, including California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, while northern-tier states may see below-average snowfall.
- Strong El Niño winters typically bring an active southern storm track and wetter conditions to the southern U.S., but warmer temperatures may cause some storms to produce rain instead of snow at lower elevations.
- Globally, above-average snowfall is forecast for much of the Alps and Scandinavia, while Japan's major ski regions may experience below-normal snowfall and warmer temperatures despite typically high snow totals.
- Forecasters caution that seasonal outlooks carry uncertainty, but the strengthening El Niño is closely monitored as it could significantly impact winter weather and mountain snowfall patterns worldwide.
