One of the biggest discussions among meteorologists is the potential development of a very strong El Niño. NOAA's climate models continue to suggest a high likelihood that El Niño will strengthen through the fall and into the 2026-27 winter. Some experimental forecasts even suggest it could become one of the stronger El Niño events on record. READ MORE: Montana Skiers May Not Like NOAA’s Winter ForecastHistorically, El Niño winters often bring warmer-than-average temperatures across much of the northern United States. Farmer's Almanac Farmer's Almanac Winter 2026Forecasts for the Northern Plains: Drier Stretches Ahead?