An extreme marine heat wave is simmering the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, and experts are warning that it could affect coastal weather and ecosystems for months. … El Niño could drive the ocean warmth even higher in the months ahead. The latest federal outlook includes a 61% chance that an El Niño will emerge between May and June and persist through at least the end of the year, with a 1-in-4 chance of a particularly strong El Niño. The tropical Pacific climate pattern is associated with warm, wet conditions in Southern California. … There is less certainty around the effect on wildfire season in California. Although more storms and moisture could help quell blazes, there is also the chance that a dry lightning storm could spark them, he said.

Other El Niño news:

• The Denver Post (Colo.): Will summer monsoons, super El Niño alleviate Colorado drought?
• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Buh-bye La Niña, hello ’super’ El Niño? What it means for Arizona