‘Super’ El Niño may be strongest since 1950. When will it peak, hit the US?

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El Niño explainer with NOAA climate scientist

El Niño explainer with NOAA climate scientist

(NEXSTAR) – The 2026 El Niño cannot be stopped.

In an update released Thursday, national forecasters said the odds that this year’s El Niño will reach the highest strength level – often called a “super” El Niño – are now higher than 90%.

The climate phenomenon has been gaining steam since it arrived on the scene earlier this summer, and it’s expected to keep building strength through the end of the year. Both El Niño and its counterpart La Niña typically reach peak strength in the winter months.

This year, the peak looks likely to come between October........

© The Hill