Super El Niño and Climate Change Could Bring Record-Wet Winter to California
Super El Niño and Climate Change Could Bring Record-Wet Winter to California
US · Published Oct 21, 2026
• California is bracing for a potentially record-breaking wet winter due to the combined effects of climate change and a super El Niño.
• According to climate scientist Daniel Swain, there is at least a 10% chance that one or more months between January and March 2027 could be the wettest on record for Southern and Central California.

Impact & Risks

The anticipated extreme weather could result in significant flooding, particularly in Southern and Central California. A megastorm could cause widespread damage, with estimates suggesting a potential cost exceeding $10 billion. Rising sea levels and record-high coastal water temperatures are likely to exacerbate the impact of atmospheric rivers, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and damage to infrastructure. Vulnerable communities, particularly those in low-lying areas, are at heightened risk of displacement and economic loss.

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