A ‘super’ El Niño hitting MS getting more likely, forecasters say. What to expect for the weather

A “super” El Niño could develop in the coming months, impacting weather patterns across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

This weather cycle could “rival some of the strongest in history,” AccuWeather experts said in a May 14 report.

Here’s how the event could impact weather on the Mississippi Coast and how to prepare in case of storms.

What is ‘super’ El Niño

El Niño is a cycle that impacts weather patterns including storms, hurricanes and winter weather, according to AccuWeather experts.

The cycle happens when the ocean water in the eastern Pacific Ocean, near the equator, reaches at least 0.9 of a degree Fahrenheit above long-term averages, experts said. A “super” El Niño is declared when the water warms to at least 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.

“The U.S. could see a more active southern storm track this winter, including wetter conditions across parts of the Southern states, warmer conditions across portions of the northern U.S. and an increased risk of weather extremes,” Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, said in the report.

How will El Niño impact MS weather?

• Increased wind shear
• Above average precipitation
• Cooler-than-average temperatures

Will the cycle impact hurricane season in MS?

Yes, El Niño causes reductions in Atlantic hurricane activity, experts said.

That doesn’t mean hurricane season is completely canceled. Forecasters said they are expecting between three and five direct impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes this year.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, according to the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

Be prepared for storms

Here are some hurricane preparedness tips from the MPSC:

• Have an extra supply of food
• Make sure you have batteries for flashlights and radios
• Remove limbs that could cause damage from trees and shrubbery
• Turn your air conditioning down to cool your house
• Charge your cell phone before the storm
• Keep freezer doors sealed
• Stock up on water, about three gallons per person
• Have a cash supply on hand

Natalie Demaree

mcclatchy-newsroom

479-616-0125

Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas.