A forecasted historic El Niño could lead to a warmer-than-average winter season for the Midwest, according to experts at the National Weather Service.
Winter 2026-27 Outlook
The NWS released its Winter 2026-27 Outlook on Oct. 15 in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The outlook indicates that above-normal temperatures are favored for the Naperville region from December through February, though Senior Meteorologist Brett Borchardt said the Midwest in general should not expect anything out of the ordinary.
“Warmer temperatures does not mean we’re going to be in the 60s and 70s in December or January or February. Our average temperatures, maybe they’re closer to the mid-30s versus the mid-20s,” Borchardt said…