Meteorologists are predicting strong El Niño conditions this winter, with widespread precipitation expected to hit the California coast as early as next month and continuing into spring.
El Niño is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon in which trade winds weaken and warm Pacific Ocean water moves towards the Americas.
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The big picture: The current El Niño event is expected to intensify and potentially become a very strong or “super” El Niño event within the next couple of months.
- While most seasonal models indicate a wetter-than-average winter in California, European forecasts suggest a weaker likelihood of such conditions.
- The California Office of Emergency Services has issued warnings to Southern Californians to prepare for potential winter weather.
- California is entering the season without a moisture deficit, with the state being entirely drought-free as of early November.
- A strong El Niño could result in increased high-tide flooding in western coastal cities, potentially causing road floods and affecting low-lying buildings.
