Do you know the difference between an El Nino and a Super El Nino?  El Nino’s are pretty common, and they happen every 2-7 years.  They are defined by a .5 Centigrade rise in equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures.  A Super El Nino is rare, and it is defined by a 2.0 Centigrade rise in equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures.  Since 1950 only four Super El Nino’s have been recorded, The last one was recorded almost ten years ago in 2015-2016.

So, what can you expect if the 2026 predicted Super El Nino becomes real?  We can expect heavier rainfall(s) resulting in more flooding situations.  We can also experience stronger storm systems, power outages, and elevated wildfire occurrences.  What does this translate for families that are unprepared for a Super El Nino?  Here is a brief list:

• Water shortages.
• Short-, medium-, and long-term power outages and disruptions.
• Communication interruptions.
• No heating.
• No cooling.
• Food spoilage.
• Bottom line – major headaches!

Now (in June) is the smart time to prepare for this potential phenomenon that can and will initiate multiple disaster scenarios all year long.  We (and the experts) recommend three ways to prepare in advance for the potential 2026 Super El Nino.

1. Expand your emergency food storage supply.  If you think the items in your pantry are going to get you through the summer and fall of Super El Nino events, think again.  We recommend checking out the offerings at My Patriot Supply where you can purchase a 72-hour food kit for as little as $30.  They also have one-week supply kits for a family of two for $250 or $399 for a family of four.  You can access their multiple food kit offerings here: https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/collections/emergency-food-kits
2. Have a backup power option or two in place.  Unexpected power outages can happen anytime and for any length of time.  Your back power investment can be as low as $50 or as significant as $1000.  Walmart has potential options for around $50.  These option (Uninterrupted Power Supply and Backup devices) are only for protecting electronic devices from power outages.  They will do little to help you cook meals or keep your refrigerator from working during an outage.  You can check out Walmart’s UPS offerings here: https://www.walmart.com/search?q=uninterrupted%20power%20supply%20and%20surge%20protector.
3. Buy a solar generator for about $500.  At My Patriot Supply they have a product called ‘Grid Doctor 300 Solar Generator System (with Solar Panel) that is priced in that range.  In addition to charging your electronics they can power small appliances, lighting, and medical support devices.  You can also buy their Solar Power Emergency Food Kit combination for around $1000.  This investment provides a 4-week food supply, off-grid cooking options, and water filtration (with no electricity required.  It is also available on the My Patriot Supply website, and you can check it out here: https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/products/ultimate-preparedness-kit-1.

Our website (https://family-preparedness.com) has resources to help you plan and prepare for the Super El Nino events this summer and fall:

• Checkout our ‘How to Prepare’ webpages.  These webpages describe the basics for sheltering in place and evacuating.
• Think you are already prepared for this upcoming Super El Nino?  Take our Power Outage Quiz located here.  Or take our Family Readiness Quiz located here. We also have a Shelter in Place quiz located here and an Evacuation quiz located here. 
• For more in-depth resources purchase one or more of our $27 tiny courses located here.

The 2026 Super El Nino is not going to be a one-day event.  So, preparing in advance means your safety and comfort is highly improved for the rest of 2026 – just do it and get ‘er done!