Is El Niño about to reshape the Pacific again?

This episode of USA Today's The Excerpt explores the lingering effects of the recently ended La Niña and the growing scientific concern over the potential emergence of El Niño in the Pacific later in 2026. Host Dana Taylor speaks with national climate correspondent Dinah Volz-Polver, who highlights a new NOAA study showing that La Niña's impacts—particularly increased wildfire risk and drought—can persist for months after the pattern officially ends. The discussion emphasizes how current climate conditions, including record global temperatures, could amplify El Niño’s effects, potentially leading to more intense heat waves, coral bleaching, and the re-emergence of a dangerous marine heat wave known as 'The Blob.' Scientists caution that El Niño’s impacts are not uniform and can vary significantly by region, challenging the assumption that every El Niño behaves the same. Despite improved models, forecasting remains difficult during the spring, and while El Niño historically suppresses Atlantic hurricanes, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. The episode concludes with a reminder that climate patterns are complex, interconnected, and increasingly shaped by a warming baseline. Key takeaways include: 1) La Niña’s impacts can last months beyond its official end, especially in wildfire and drought risk; 2) El Niño’s effects are amplified by a warmer global climate, increasing risks like extreme heat and marine heat waves; 3) No two El Niño events are identical—regional impacts vary widely; 4) Even with El Niño suppressing hurricane activity, the risk is not zero; 5) Ocean heat waves like 'The Blob' can persist for years and reshape marine ecosystems. The overall tone is cautiously urgent, emphasizing preparedness and scientific vigilance in the face of evolving climate dynamics.