El Niño Update Signals ‘Unprecedented’ Weather—Map of Most Impacted States
A powerful El Niño is building, with NOAA expecting a strong event that could reshape weather this upcoming winter.
El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific, is expected to be particularly strong this winter, potentially surpassing any recorded event since 1950. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a more than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event this year, which could bring severe weather across the United States.
California and the Southeast are likely to experience the most significant impacts, with an increased likelihood of intense storms, flooding, and drought conditions. Tony Fracasso, a meteorologist at NOAA's Weather Prediction Center, explained that El Niño affects the storm track across the country and brings warmer air to lower 48 states, leading to a warmer winter for most areas.
While California is expected to see more storms, the South, particularly along the Gulf, may face much wetter conditions. However, some areas further north around the Great Lakes might experience drier conditions. The Super El Niño event could also bring more snow to Western states like California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Despite the general trend of warmer temperatures associated with El Niño, the phenomenon can still result in cold air and the potential for snow in certain regions. The exact reasons behind this year's unusually strong El Niño are still unclear, as it involves complex interactions between ocean currents deep below the sea level and the atmosphere.
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