Thanks to El Niño, this winter in the United States is expected to be warmer and wetter than most, the National Weather Service said Thursday.
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“A strong El Niño is in place and should exert a strong influence over our weather this winter”, the NOAA’s Mike Halpert said.
As for how cold it should be this winter, most of the western and northern US should see a milder-than-average season, as weather patterns should keep the worst of the extended cold outbreaks away.
El Nino, which is characterized by a warming of the Pacific Ocean, changes the climate patterns globally. This year’s is one of the strongest El Ninos on record. Based on its forecast, Texans may need to beef up their cold weather wardrobes. NOAA expects above-average precipitation to occur in southeastern Alaska.
What is more confident is the south will be much cooler than average, likely due to the above average precipitation.
Dry conditions are also likely in the northern Rockies and across the northern Plains and Great Lakes regions.
Above normal precipitation is expected across much of the southern states, and through the Mid Atlantic. Additional statewide relief is possible during February and March.
The U.S. Drought Outlook shows a few improvement is likely in central and southern California by the end of January, but not drought removal. So just because the forecast for Northeast Wisconsin favors warmer and drier weather, it doesn’t mean we can’t get a couple good blasts of Arctic air or a big snow storm.
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While forecasters can’t be certain where this year’s El Niño will rank in terms of strength, it is already predicted to be among the top three on record since 1950, an official told The Washington Post.
