Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued the U.S. Winter Outlook for this winter season.
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El Nino this winter will leave a big wet but not necessarily snowy footprint on much of the United States, including parched California, forecasters said Thursday.
This year’s El Nino, the third strongest on record, will produce cooler temperatures, more rain and possibly severe weather for South Florida.
As for how cold it should be this winter, most of the western and northern USA should see a milder-than-average season, as weather patterns should keep the worst of the extended cold outbreaks away. One of which is El Nino, or unusually warm ocean waters in the equitorial Pacific Ocean.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this year’s El Niño, is among the strongest on record. NOAA expects above-average precipitation to occur in southeastern Alaska.
If you’re wondering, The National Weather Service said the average date for the first 1 inch snowfall in Iowa is November. 26 to December. 3 for the Des Moines metro area. Because of that, the jet stream should ride unusually far south in the US, dragging storm systems along its path over the southern tier of states and keeping temperatures chilly in the wake of the rain. California, however, may find a few statewide relief during February and March.
Dry conditions are also likely in the northern Rockies and across the northern Plains and Great Lakes regions. That’s because “California would need close to twice its normal rainfall to get out of drought and that’s unlikely”.
The center predicts equal chances for below- or above-average precipitation in most of the southern half of the state and a slightly elevated likelihood for below-average precipitation in the northern half of the state.
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We’ve provided a NOAA’s video forecast in this post for you to view.
