El Niño Brings Wetter Winter to U.S. Coasts
• The latest winter outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) indicates that the upcoming December-February period will likely be wetter than normal for large portions of the United States due to a strong El Niño event. Meteorologist Scott Handel stated that there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, with a 75% chance of it being historically significant, surpassing previous events since
• The forecast predicts above-normal precipitation along the West and East Coasts, the Southern Tier, and the Central Plains. Additionally, above-normal temperatures are expected across the northern tier of the contiguous U.S. and much of Alaska. While El Niño patterns typically bring stormier weather to the Southern U.S. and increased rainfall in California and the Southeast, the outlook does not forecast specific weather events but rather probabilities for seasonal averages.
Impact & Risks
The wetter-than-normal conditions expected this winter could have significant impacts on regions like California and the Southeast, which may experience increased rainfall and atmospheric river events. These conditions could help alleviate droughts in these areas but may also heighten the risk of flooding and severe weather, particularly across Gulf Coast states. Northern areas of the U.S. may see drier conditions, while Alaska is likely to experience above-normal temperatures. Residents in affected regions should prepare for potential disruptions caused by heavy precipitation and localized flooding.
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