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. 

What Can San Luis Obispo County Expect from this El Niño?

While there are no guarantees that even a strong El Nino will mean heavy rain and winds in all areas, we strongly encourage all residents to prepare for the high likelihood that it will occur.  

El Nino can cause: 

• Heavier than normal rainfall
• Strong winds
• Flooding
• High surf and coastal flooding
• Higher temperatures
• Power outages
• Fallen trees
• Hazardous road conditions

Current Forecast Information Related to El Niño 2026/2027

August 2026 Outlook

El Niño is strengthening with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026-2027.  See above for current forecast through October 2026. 

National Weather Service El Niño Forecast Information

How Can You Prepare? 

Home Preparedness and Maintenance

• Check and clear gutters, downspouts and storm drains regularly before and during the rainy season. 
• Inspect your roof for leaks, especially around flashing, and make necessary repairs
• Trim your trees and eliminate dead branches that could fall during heavy rain and high winds
• Ensure yard grading moves rain water away from your home

Sandbag Information

If you are in need of sandbags or other supplies, you can purchase them here (for the Spanish version, click here). Due to high demand, residents should call and confirm availability before arrival. 

Many locations around the county have sand available to residents (for the Spanish version, click here).  Bringing your own sandbags and shovel is necessary at most locations. 

Emergency Kit and Family Disaster Plan

Visit our Family Preparedness page for details on creating an emergency kit and family disaster plan

Vehicle and Travel Safety

• Make sure you have replaced windshield wipers and checked tires
• Carry an emergency car kit
• Stay aware of road conditions, traffic signal outages and downed trees and powerlines
• Don't travel if you don't need to during storms