Colorado’s 2026 monsoon season is expected to bring above-average rainfall, largely due to the growing likelihood of a strong El Niño developing later this summer.
Forecasters say Colorado experienced an unusually warm and dry winter, marked by record-low snowpack levels and early snowmelt that intensified drought conditions across much of the state.
Meteorologists are also closely watching ocean temperatures, which are already running well above average — a key indicator that El Niño conditions are emerging.
According to the latest outlook from the National Weather Service, there is now an 80% chance that El Niño conditions will develop between June and August. Forecast models suggest the pattern could become strong enough to deliver increased moisture and above-average rainfall throughout Colorado during the upcoming monsoon season.
