# El Niño Winter Rain Map Shows Wetter States

> El Niño forecast predicts wetter-than-normal winter for West, East coasts, and Southern U.S.
- Title: El Niño Winter Rain Map Shows Wetter States · Newsweek
- Summary: El Niño forecast predicts wetter-than-normal winter for West, East coasts, and Southern U.S. A historic El Niño event increases wetter-than-normal winter…
- Keywords: el nino, wetter winter, cpc, noaa, climate prediction center, winter precipitation, southern tier, central plains, atmospheric river, drought conditions, Niño, Winter
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/el-nino-rain-map-shows-states-facing-wetter-than-normal-winter-12461424
- Published: 2026-09-19T09:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: el nino, wetter winter, cpc, noaa, climate prediction center, winter precipitation, southern tier, central plains, atmospheric river, drought conditions
## El Niño Winter Outlook
Federal forecasters released winter precipitation outlook for December, January, and February.
## Above-Normal Precipitation
West Coast, East Coast, Southern Tier, and Central Plains face wetter-than-normal winter conditions.
## High Confidence in El Niño
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center reports 90 percent confidence for strong El Niño and 75 percent chance of historic event.
## El Niño Weather Effects
Typical El Niño brings stormier Southern U.S., drier northern areas, and changes in hurricane activity.
## California and Southeast Rainfall
California and Southeast see increased rainfall due to robust subtropical jet stream and atmospheric river events.
## Drought Relief Potential
Wetter conditions in California and Southeast could ease drought conditions for both regions.
## Key takeaway

A historic El Niño event increases wetter-than-normal winter conditions across the West Coast, East Coast, Southern Tier, and Central Plains.