By Zoila Palma: A developing El Niño phenomenon is continuing to strengthen and could significantly influence weather patterns across North America during the 2026-2027 autumn and winter seasons, BBC reports.
The event is already showing signs of becoming one of the strongest recorded, with the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reporting a strong-to-very strong El Niño is likely to persist through early 2027.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that develops when trade winds over the Pacific Ocean weaken or reverse, allowing warmer ocean waters to shift eastward.
This releases additional heat into the atmosphere and influences global weather patterns, affecting rainfall, temperatures and storm activity in different regions.
NOAA’s November 12 assessment indicated approximately a 60% chance that the event could reach historic strength, exceeding previous El Niño events recorded since 1950 under one measurement.
For the United States, forecasts suggest increased rainfall across much of California, the Southwest, Central and Southern Plains, the Southeast and parts of the eastern seaboard. Florida and other southeastern states could experience particularly wet conditions, raising concerns about flooding. California may also face increased risks of heavy rainfall, flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas affected by previous wildfires. However, the intensity and location of rainfall will vary.
Meanwhile, warmer-than-average winter temperatures are expected across parts of Alaska, the western United States and northern regions, while below-average precipitation is forecast for areas including the Northern Rockies and parts of the Great Lakes.
El Niño can also influence snowfall patterns, increasing the possibility of heavier snowfall in some southern mountain ranges while reducing snow chances in certain northern areas. Scientists are also monitoring possible disruptions to the stratospheric polar vortex, which can sometimes allow Arctic air to move farther south.
The post International News: Powerful El Niño could bring flooding risks across parts of North America appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A developing El Niño phenomenon is continuing to strengthen and could significantly influence weather patterns across North America during the 2026-2027 autumn and winter seasons, BBC reports. The event is already showing signs of becoming one of the strongest recorded, with the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reporting a
The post International News: Powerful El Niño could bring flooding risks across parts of North America appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
