During an El Niño winter, the southern United States often experiences above-average precipitation, which can include increased snowfall in higher elevations. Conversely, the northern Plains and Rockies tend to see warmer and drier conditions. These shifts in weather patterns are driven by changes in the jet stream, which directs storm systems differently than during neutral or La Niña conditions. However, forecasters caution that while El Niño increases the likelihood of certain weather patterns, it does not guarantee specific conditions in any location.