How Should You Prepare For A Super El Niño?
What you need to know about how weather will be disrupted in the U.S., and around the world.
El Niño is an event currently developing in the Pacific Ocean, forecasted to be among the strongest on record. This climate phenomenon, which began in early summer and is expected to persist through 2027, could bring about varied impacts around the globe. While it may trigger droughts in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and northern South America, regions like East Africa and the southern U.S. might encounter stormier weather and flooding.
In the United States, El Niño often leads to a warmer-than-average winter in the north and a wetter, cooler winter in the south, increasing the likelihood of rain and snow. This includes a heightened risk of severe weather, such as tornadoes, in some areas. However, the exact impacts can vary based on other climate variables like the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Madden-Julian Oscillation.
Individuals in regions likely to experience stormy weather during this winter should prepare by ensuring proper drainage around their homes, clearing gutters, and fixing leaks. Staying informed through emergency alerts and local forecasts is also crucial. Governments can take steps to prepare for extreme weather events by setting up cooling centers, creating action plans for vulnerable populations, and ensuring residents understand flood risks and purchase appropriate insurance.
While El Niño years may typically see fewer disasters due to early warnings, funding cuts to federal agencies like NOAA and the National Weather Service have raised concerns about preparedness. These cuts threaten the ability of the weather service to provide timely warnings, underscoring the need for increased investment in infrastructure and staffing to help the American people stay informed and protected.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
