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NOAA expects El Niño to bring more moisture and higher winter temperatures
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says El Niño is likely to bring more moisture and higher temperatures, potentially easing western drought while limiting northern snowfall.
El Niño is likely to shift weather patterns toward more moisture and higher temperatures this winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday. The agency expects that combination to help ease persistent western drought but offer less encouragement for northern snowfall.
El Niño is a natural, temporary warming in parts of the Pacific that generally raises global temperatures. Its effects vary around the world, but regional patterns tend to be predictable, particularly when it is strong, giving forecasters greater confidence.
The weather service does not issue seasonal snowfall predictions, but its meteorologists said much of the Northeast, Great Lakes, upper Midwest and northern Rockies should expect below-normal snowfall. The southern Rockies and parts of the Southeast and Southwest may receive more snow than usual.
National Weather Service director Ken Graham cautioned that the three-month outlook does not rule out snow or a snowstorm. A seasonal expectation therefore leaves the risk of individual winter storms in place.
NOAA forecasts a wetter-than-usual winter in parts of 39 states. Much of Montana and parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wisconsin and Michigan are expected to be drier.