California could be heading toward an unusually dangerous winter as a rapidly strengthening El Niño threatens to push coastal sea levels to their highest levels ever recorded, increasing the risk of flooding, erosion and powerful waves along the state’s shoreline, according to The Los Angeles Times .
Scientists are watching the developing climate pattern closely as ocean temperatures across the tropical Pacific continue to climb. The World Meteorological Organization has forecast a rapid intensification into a strong El Niño during July-September 2026, with some models pointing to exceptionally warm conditions in the eastern and central Pacific.
