The winter forecast is in and it looks like El Ni帽o may have some good news
Thanks to El Ni帽o, this winter in the United States is expected to be warmer and wetter than most, the National Weather Service said Thursday.
This brings good news for drought-ridden regions like California and the Southwest. There is a 70 percent chance for more much-needed rain in the South. Experts note, however, that one season won鈥檛 immediately solve all their water problems.
More rain could also lead to safety hazards for residents of California, such as flooding and mudslides, warns private weather forecaster AccuWeather. 鈥淐alifornia will be much more active weather-wise this winter than last winter," .
Those in Boston and New York still scarred from last year's excessive snowfall聽will be pleased to hear that there is a 60 percent chance for warmer weather across the northern US, while Northern Alaska and Hawaii will face drier conditions, .
America鈥檚 central states are , and this year there is an equal chance of their temperature and rainfall going in either direction, the NWS said.
While forecasters can鈥檛 be certain where this year鈥檚 El Ni帽o will rank in terms of strength, it is already predicted to be among the top three on record since 1950, an official
鈥淭he driver of this winter's outlook is El Nino,鈥� said Mike Halpert, deputy director of National Ocean Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center.
Winter is still coming, however. 鈥淓l Ni帽o is not the only player,鈥� Mr. Halpert cautioned. 鈥淐old-air outbreaks and snow storms will likely occur at times this winter.鈥�
El Ni帽o, which comes every two to five years, is caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean around the equator. While its effects are often profound in the US, its events also change weather patterns across the globe.
This report contains material from The Associated Press.聽
