Preparing for an El Niño winter: What it means for US weather and stocking up

Forecasters predict a high likelihood of an El Niño winter, which could bring significant changes to weather conditions. While the impact of El Niño events can vary, historically, the northern US and Canada experience drier and warmer conditions, while the Gulf Coast and Southeast see increased rainfall and a higher risk of flooding. In the Chicago area, residents can expect warmer temperatures and below-average precipitation during the upcoming winter, aligning with typical El Niño patterns. However, forecasters caution that each El Niño event is unique, and other factors can influence local weather conditions.