El Niño arrives with potential for record heat and coastal surprises

El Niño is officially underway and could be among the strongest on record, with a 63% chance of a very strong event from November through January. It’s expected to raise global temperatures, bring drought and heat to the Pacific Northwest, wetter winters to the South, and fuel marine heat waves that disrupt sea life and can shift species ranges along the West Coast; past events have included unusual marine visitors and even declines in plankton, while climate change continues to heighten overall warmth.