The Pacific Northwest is likely to experience a warmer and potentially drier winter, which could lead to a below-average mountain snowpack for the fifth consecutive year. This would negatively impact water resources for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water, while also increasing the risk of wildfires in 2027. However, El Niño generally brings less hazardous winter weather to the region compared to La Niña or Neutral conditions. Despite this, occasional extreme weather events, such as snowstorms, remain possible.