A super El Niño is increasingly likely later this year, and it could become record strong with potential global impacts on rainfall and temperatures from summer through winter. … The majority of model forecasts now suggest there is at least a 50-50 chance this El Niño could become a “super El Niño,” one in which ocean surface temperatures are at least 2 degrees Celsius warmer than average. … In winter, the southern, or subtropical, branch of the jet stream usually is turbocharged in a stronger El Niño. That means a wetter winter usually is the result across the southern tier of states from parts of California and the Desert Southwest. … This could also mean more snow across these areas if the air is cold enough.

Other weather and water forecast news:

• The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.): Pacific hurricane season is next week — and California faces higher risk