Latest California winter weather forecast revealed amid Super El Niño threat

The sun could soon set on The Golden State.

At least according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac — an annual publication predicting weather forecasts. The 200-year-old service dropped its 2026-2027 winter weather predictions, and it’s looking pretty grim for Californians.

The predictions deliver “sharp contrasts across the country,” with The Bear State seeing a wetter-than-normal winter. So break out those rain coats if you’re in Southern California, because you are likely to see heavy storms. 

The Almanac also revealed that the rains may extend from SoCal all the way through to the Desert Southwest and across the southern US. “These areas should watch for frequent storm systems, muddy fields, and occasional surges of cold air,” the Almanac suggests.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts heavy rain and sleet is expected to hit Southern California Getty Images

The southern Rockies may also want to grab some gear as more sleet, freezing rain and heavy, wet snow will make for much colder temperatures. The forecast advises those in Southwest eastward through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast to expect similar, and unpredictable weather patterns close to those of California’s.

The predictions were released in early August, using the same formula it has relied on since 1818. It takes into account solar activity, lunar influences and historical weather patterns.

“Today, those traditional calculations are enhanced — not replaced — by modern forecasting tools, including satellite observations, computer modeling, current meteorological data, historical analogs, and analysis of large-scale ocean and atmospheric patterns,” the Farmers’ Almanac said.

In addition to the almanac, the Super El Niño climate pattern should also be attributed to the crazy weather California residents could experience. El Niño is when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become much warmer than normal and shift weather patterns.

A Super El Niño climate pattern can be attributed to the crazy weather Getty Images

And this one is set to be strong as experts are warning of an above-average snowfall season across California and Nevada. The heaviest storm cycles are expected to amp up just after the new year.

Many California mountain ranges will be hit from the active storm track, and data from OpenSnow’s 2026–2027 Winter Forecast Preview, revealed that the Central Sierra will have the highest statistical probability for well-above-average snow accumulation.

Tourist spots like Mammoth Mountain and China Peak will be right in the eye of the strongest forecast signals, according to OpenSnow.