What is El Niño? NWS Explains. | Emergency Management Department

Posted on 09/30/2026

What does El Niño Mean for Southern California? Some ways to prepare for the winter may include: Ensure roofs are in good condition / Replace windshield wipers and tires / Clear out gutters / Sign up to receive emergency alerts from your local government

Hear a brief explanation of El Niño 2026-27 -- what it is; what it's NOT -- from Dr. Ariel Cohen, Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, California.