Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several California counties Monday to support statewide preparedness for the oncoming El Niño season — which forecasts predict could be the strongest on record. El Niño weather conditions are caused by weakened winds from the east that cause above-average sea surface temperatures. El Niño seasons are characterized by increased precipitation and flooding in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Southeast. In a proclamation, Newsom’s office cited a National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center forecast showing a more than 90% chance of a “very strong” El Niño event in the Northern Hemisphere during the fall and winter of 2026-27. Read more through the link in bio. ✍️: Ayah Alsheikha 📸: Joe Zheng . . . #ucberkeley #dailycal #berkeley #newsom #elnino