Strong El Niño and Polar Vortex Disruption May Influence 2026-27 Winter Weather

An exceptionally strong El Niño for 2026 and an early polar vortex disruption are projected to influence global winter weather patterns for 2026-27. NOAA forecasts above-average temperatures across the northern US and increased rainfall in California and the Southeast. However, the polar vortex disruption could bring colder conditions to eastern North America and northern Europe in late November or December, with its interaction with El Niño creating forecast uncertainty.