What is El Niño?

El Niño is a warming of water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator that typically happens every three to four years. The 2026-2027 season is forecast by the National Weather Service to be a one of the strongest events on record. 

El Niño provides the climate backdrop but it does not guarantee storms will impact Southern California, or SLO County specifically.  El Niño should be thought of as a seasonal background rather than an actual weather event. It influences climate patterns, but doesn't control when, where or how strong individual storms will be.  

This means that while a very strong El Niño tilts the broad probability toward a wetter season, the likelihood of severe impacts in specific locations is not guaranteed.  

However, residents of SLO County are strongly encouraged to prepare for the possibility of increased winter storm activity. While El Niño does not guarantee severe weather, taking steps to prepare in advance can help residents, families, and communities stay safe and reduce the potential impacts of significant winter storms.

This page is NEW! Please check back frequently for updates.