This summer, NOAA declared the arrival of El Nino, which will last throughout the winter. And now we are seeing a slow start to winter for many areas across the United States, with some of the lowest levels of snowpack in the past 20 years.
The presence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon, can significantly impact weather patterns, but it does not “cancel” winter. However, El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator. This change in ocean temperature can influence atmospheric conditions, leading to varied weather effects around the world.
In regions typically affected by El Niño:
- Warmer Winters: Some areas might experience milder and warmer winters than usual.
- Precipitation Changes: It can lead to changes in precipitation patterns, causing wetter or drier conditions in different regions.
- Storm Patterns: The track and intensity of storms, particularly in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, can be altered.
However, these effects vary and depend on the strength of the El Niño event and other climatic factors. El Niño is just one element in the complex system that determines global weather patterns. It’s important to consult local weather forecasts for accurate, region-specific information.
Winter Canceled due to El Niño? – Why coast to coast warmth looks likely.
That information did not stop Direct Weather from posting this provocative video to their YouTube channel looking into the effects of El Niño on the North American winter for 2023/2024.