The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that continued warming trends in the Pacific suggest strong El Niño patterns will likely persist across the Northern Hemisphere through the fall and winter of 2026-2027.
While experts emphasize can help homeowners brace for the conditions ahead. Typically, during an El Niño winter, the jet stream from the northern Pacific Ocean shifts downward and moves across the southern United States. This southward shift can bring dry conditions—and an increased likelihood of storms—across the Northern Rockies and the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. While much of the country may experience a generally mild winter, many regions will experience increased precipitation and some snowy cold snaps.
While you can perform some winterization tasks around the house, an aging furnace component or water heater can fail without warning. Whether it’s from heavy precipitation, freezing temperatures, or winter storms, shifting weather patterns can put extra strain on the home systems and appliances Americans rely on most. Heating systems and water heaters may need to work for extended periods during cold spells, while electrical and plumbing systems are also especially important this time of year. When one of these systems or appliances breaks down unexpectedly, repairs or replacements can be costly.
Prepare your home—and your budget—for El Niño. You can plan for the weather, but you can't always predict when a covered home system or appliance will break down. That's where a home warranty can help. Old Republic Home Warranty has plans and additional coverage options to fit every home’s needs, keeping you protected against surprise repair and replacement costs for covered systems and appliances.
El Niño may make this winter's weather harder to predict, but preparing your home and budget doesn't have to be challenging. Get an Old Republic home warranty plan before the cold weather arrives, so you'll have coverage in place when you need it.
This home protection plan is not insurance. It is a service contract regulated under applicable state law. Terms and conditions apply. Not available in all states. See a sample home warranty plan for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply. Home warranties offered under the Old Republic Home Warranty brand are service contracts issued by Old Republic Home Protection Company, Inc.