El Nino officially declared, forecasts warn of potentially strong summer impacts

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed on June 11 that El Nino has begun, noting a 63 % chance it will reach the strongest “super” threshold by winter. Meteorologists say the current event could become one of the most intense of recent decades, with the possibility of above‑average rainfall and temperatures in the western United States, particularly Colorado’s western slope, during the summer monsoon season.

Scientists are debating whether climate change is amplifying El Nino. Some researchers cite a trend toward stronger events since the 1980s and warn that rising greenhouse‑gas concentrations could increase sea‑surface temperature anomalies, potentially producing a record‑setting El Nino. Others say the evidence remains inconclusive. The discussion underscores the broader uncertainty about how global warming may affect the frequency and intensity of this major climate cycle.