A "very strong" El Niño is building fast, and California could be in for a brutal winter — think heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides — after what's already been a punishing summer of heat across the globe, according to early reports from federal forecasters and climate scientists.
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The pattern is simple: a warm fall nationally could give way to an intense El Niño event by winter, and California has historically taken some of the hardest hits when that happens. Drenching storms, saturated hillsides, and overwhelmed storm drains are all on the table. For communities still dealing with scarred land from recent wildfires, the mudslide risk is especially serious.
This is a developing situation and specifics — timing, intensity, exact regions most at risk — are still coming into focus. What forecasters are saying now is that the threat is real and growing. Residents in flood-prone and hillside areas should not wait until the last minute to prepare.
What the Forecasts Are Saying
Federal weather forecasters are pointing to a warm fall as a runway for an unusually powerful El Niño this winter, according to Men's Journal. Yale E360 reports that the current summer heat is already being amplified by El Niño conditions — and the worst may still be ahead. Newsweek has published risk maps flagging states most vulnerable this winter, with California among them.
Why California Should Pay Attention Now
Strong El Niño years have walloped California before. The 1997-98 event caused billions in damage statewide — landslides, washed-out roads, collapsed infrastructure. Last year's storms were a preview of how quickly things can go sideways. If forecasters are right about a "super" event, the 2024-25 rainy season could be one for the record books, for better or worse. More water after years of drought sounds good until it all falls at once.
What You Should Do
Emergency managers typically advise clearing gutters and drains before storm season, knowing your flood zone, and having a go-bag ready if you live near hillsides or waterways. It's still early, but the window to prepare is open right now. Watch for updated guidance from Cal OES and the National Weather Service as the season develops.
This is a developing story. Details on timing and regional impacts will be updated as new forecasts are released.