Even though fall has barely begun, it’s never too late to prepare ahead for winter. Particularly since this winter may be different from previous ones. The reason? El Niño. This winter will be the first, in a while, to encounter the effects of this phenomenon. El Nino has a big impact on the climate within the colder months.
What is El Nino?
This phenomenon is one of the three phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation, also known as ENSO. It tracks temperature changes in the water of the Pacific Ocean. This occurrence happens when ocean temperatures are warmer than usual for an extended period of time. It can have a rippling effect on weather patterns globally.
This phase typically leads to cooler and wetter seasons in the Southern parts of the United States, while the Midwest and Northern U.S. experience warmer and drier seasons.
2023-’24 Forecast
For the past three winters, La Nina, known as the negative phase, has been keeping the South dry and warm while the North and West received much-needed snow. However, the tables have finally turned.
According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, due to El Nino this winter is expected to be strong and last throughout next spring. One of the major reasons being the position of the jet stream, which is essentially a river of air that storms flow through.
What This Winter Could Look Like
With storms coming through the jet stream, this will provide cooler temperatures and more precipitation through the southern Plains to the Southeast. With the combination of these temperatures and frequent rain, there is a probability there will be an increase of sleet, freezing rain, and/or snow in these regions. This could be crucial for states like Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, who’ve been experiencing droughts.
While the South will be experiencing the wet, cool weather, the North will experience a possibly warmer and drier winter. This warm winter could possibly pose as a threat to parts of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Considering the fact the Midwest has been dealing with exceptional rates of drought and snow being the Pacific Northwest’s key source of water. While that may be the case, the CPC predicts that there still could be storms that form delivering spells of brutal cold and heavy snow.
Although these regions are affected, El Nino’s winter patterns typically have little to no effect on the California, Southwest, and Northeast regions. However, the weather in these regions all depends on the overall strength of El Nino.
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources:
CNN – An El Nino winter is coming. Here’s what that could mean for the US by Mary Gilbert
CIProud.com – El Nino is ramping up for the winter, what does this for Central Illinois by Chris Yates
Top and featured image Courtesy of Soumit’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of Eric Sonstroem’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
