El Niño forecasts warn of colder winters in Louisiana and water shortages in Vietnam

A strong El Niño developing off Mexico’s west coast is expected to affect weather patterns in the Gulf Coast and Southeast Asia. Meteorologists say the phenomenon could bring colder, wetter conditions to Louisiana this winter, with the possibility of snow and a milder 2026 hurricane season.

Vietnam’s Meteorological and Hydrological Administration released two risk scenarios for El Niño in late 2026‑early 2027. In the high‑risk scenario, temperatures could rise 0.5‑1 °C above average, rainfalls may drop 10‑20 % during the 2026 rainy season, and river flows could fall 10‑20 %. The outlook includes heightened risk of drought, water shortages, and salt‑water intrusion in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands.

Both regions are preparing for potential impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and energy demand as the climate pattern unfolds.