Clermont residents may want to keep the umbrella handy this winter. A strengthening El Niño pattern in the Pacific Ocean could have a noticeable impact on Florida's weather as we head into the 2026–27 winter season.

El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific become unusually warm, influencing the jet stream and shifting storm tracks across the United States. This year's event is expected to be unusually strong, with NOAA giving it a high likelihood of reaching very strong levels later this year.

For Central Florida, that could mean a wetter and more active winter than we're accustomed to. The National Weather Service says El Niño winters typically bring more frequent storm systems across the Florida peninsula, with rainfall often running above average. The stronger southern jet stream can also lead to more widespread rain, thunderstorms and an increased risk of severe weather.

Temperatures could also trend somewhat cooler during the day, largely because increased cloud cover and rainfall can keep daytime highs down. That doesn't necessarily mean Clermont is in for a particularly cold winter, however. Forecasters caution that El Niño is only one piece of the puzzle, and other atmospheric patterns can strongly influence Florida's temperatures from week to week.

For Clermont, the biggest takeaway may simply be more rain during a season that is normally among Florida's driest. That could be good news for lakes, groundwater and landscapes, but it also means residents should be prepared for periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and potentially severe weather. And while a strong El Niño can reduce Atlantic hurricane activity by increasing wind shear, it doesn't eliminate the need to prepare for storms during hurricane season.

So, as we head toward fall and winter, don't be surprised if the Sunshine State feels a little less sunny than usual. For Clermont, this year's El Niño could bring a winter defined by more clouds, more rain and a few more stormy days.