Map Reveals Where Drought To Worsen As El Niño To Shape Winter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its winter outlook, predicting that drought conditions may develop or worsen in parts of the northwestern U.S. as El Niño shapes the upcoming winter season. El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with warmer Pacific waters, can influence global temperatures and rainfall patterns.

In the U.S., El Niño typically brings stormier weather to southern regions, drier conditions to some northern areas, and altered hurricane activity. The Climate Prediction Center reported that El Niño has continued to strengthen, with a high probability of a "strong-to-very strong" event through January to March 2027. Drought conditions are projected to develop or worsen in northeastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and parts of the northern Rockies through January, while conditions are expected to improve or end in the Southwest, Southern Great Plains, Southeast, and parts of the East Coast.

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