The 2026 El Niño has been officially named “Super El Niño,” following ocean temperatures that exceeded 2.0°C above average in the Niño 3.4 zone in the Pacific Ocean for three straight months—the second time since 2015-16.
This announcement was made as the coastal waters of California are witnessing the most serious marine heat wave in history. As much as 90% of coastal waters within 50 miles off the shore are facing a serious Category 3 heat wave, while 61% of the coastal waters are experiencing an extreme Category 4 heat wave, and 22% of them are witnessing an even more extreme Category 5 heat wave. Climate Scientist Daniel Swain says that from Ensenada in Mexico to Sonoma County, the coastal waters have risen by “more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit above average”—the first time recorded in California.
Due to thermal expansion, the sea levels of coastal regions have risen 6 to 12 inches above average.
Forecasters are expecting wave heights of up to 20 to 40 feet, with some waves up to 50 feet tall on the Northern California coast this weekend.
The warm waters have also brought tropical sea creatures such as winged comb jellies and rose siphonophores that usually exist in waters near Hawaii.
The winter forecast from NOAA expects warmth in the north and wet weather in the south, with an increase in storm activity across Southern California all the way to Florida. Atmospheric rivers will be experienced in California, while the Midwest will see a milder winter season.
