When will El Nino hit Texas? November and December winter weather forecast for Dallas-Fort Worth
North Texas has been going through a remarkable dry stretch over the last several weeks, with Dallas-Fort Worth recently hitting 63 days without measurable rainfall.
North Texas is expected to see a wetter winter as the strengthening 2026 El Nino brings rain to the southern US. (AP)However, the region's weather is likely to change course this winter, because of the strengthening 2026 El Nino, which is expected to bring wetter conditions to the southern US.
The developing El Nino is now the strongest on record, according to scientists monitoring Pacific Ocean temperatures, as per the BBC.
This year's El Nino has a greater than 90% chance of being a very strong event, according to the Climate Prediction Center's latest update.
The 2026 El Nino has been developing throughout the summer and is "firmly established," according to the World Meteorological Organization. Sea surface temperatures are expected to peak by October or November
Forecasters with the World Meteorological Organization said in early September that El Nino likely will last through February. However, according to a September 14 Climate Prediction Center report, forecasters say El Nino could persist through March or even May 2027, as per Dallas News.
According to the Climate Prediction Center's latest three-month precipitation outlook, the southern US, including North Texas, is expected to get more rain and snow than usual as winter approaches, as per Dallas News.
NOAA says the southern US usually gets more precipitation than normal from around November to April. Meteorological winter starts on December 1 and ends in February.
A stronger El Nino can increase the chances of severe weather and wetter conditions in the southern US. This means North Texas could see more rain or snow this winter, depending on temperatures, because of El Nino.
The last rainy winter in Dallas-Fort Worth was during the 2023 El Nino. The wetter conditions continued into spring 2024.
El Nino is a natural climate pattern that usually develops every two to seven years. It can last for about nine to 12 months, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
It happens when sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. This can change air circulation and the jet stream, which can affect weather patterns around the world.
Trade winds that normally blow from east to west across the Pacific can become weaker or even change direction during El Nino. This allows warm water to move east. The ocean then releases more heat into the atmosphere, which can raise global temperatures and change weather patterns around the world.
Khushi Arora is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she writes for the US Desk, covering everything happening in the United States, while maintaining quality and delivering impactful stories across all beats. She previously worked at Zee News for over a year where she explored multiple beats including News Desk, Education and Lifestyle. With a background in English Literature, Khushi blends sharp research with thoughtful storytelling, shaping stories that go beyond headlines and bring clarity and credibility to every piece she writes. Beyond the newsroom, she enjoys reading, watching cinema and loves having long conversations about books, films and everything in between.Read More
