Do you have your winter gear ready??
It’s only October now, but forecasters at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration have issued the U.S. winter outlook, and this year's strong El Nino is expected to be a big factor. Remember last week we showed you the story about the coral reefs and told you El Nino refers to the climate pattern characterized by unusually warm temperatures.
Well according to NOAA, the strong El Nino could lead to a warmer, drier winter in the Northwest and Plains States. And, possibly, more rain in California, as well as parts of the Gulf Coast and Florida. Much of the country's northern half is forecast to have above-normal temperatures, while much of the southern half is expecting colder weather this winter.
Here in Ohio, the National Weather Service and AccuWeather are both calling for a warmer than average winter with below average snowfall.
Instructional Links
Website Article: Strong El Niño sets the stage for 2015-2016 winter weather
Website Article: What are El Niño and La Niña?