NOAA: U.S. Could See Wild Extremes With El Nino Coming This Winter

Thu, Oct 15 · Clip 5 of 10

Last winter’s record snowfall could be replaced with historic warmth, and where there was extreme drought, epic flooding could be on the way.

Strong El Niño sets the stage for 2015-2016 winter weather

October 15, 2015

Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued the U.S. Winter Outlook today favoring cooler and wetter weather in Southern Tier states with above-average temperatures most likely in the West and across the Northern Tier. This year’s El Niño, among the strongest on record, is expected to influence weather and climate patterns this winter by impacting the position of the Pacific jet stream.

“A strong El Niño is in place and should exert a strong influence over our weather this winter,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “While temperature and precipitation impacts associated with El Niño are favored, El Niño is not the only player. Cold-air outbreaks and snow storms will likely occur at times this winter. However, the frequency, number and intensity of these events cannot be predicted on a seasonal timescale.” Read more.