The Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service issued its latest winter outlook on October 15, 2026, indicating that a strengthening El Niño could affect winter conditions in the Chicago, Illinois area.
El Niño warms Pacific Ocean waters near the Americas, a change that can influence U.S. winter weather. The Climate Prediction Center regularly releases seasonal outlooks, and El Niño events are recognized for altering temperature and precipitation patterns across the United States.