El Niño's Growing Strength Raises Concerns for Increased Flooding and Hotter Earth

The El Niño event is strengthening, with sea-surface temperatures in the central tropical Pacific Ocean reaching above-average levels. NOAA forecasts a 55% chance of a strong El Niño lasting through winter and a 62% chance of El Niño conditions persisting into spring. There is also a 35% chance of reaching historically strong levels. El Niño impacts include a shift in the jet stream, which can have major effects on weather patterns in the United States. However, computer models and tropical activity around the globe make it challenging to predict the exact strength and duration of the El Niño event. Past historically strong El Niño events have caused destructive storms and significant weather impacts.