Weak La Niña to Contrast Last Winter’s Record El Niño
Germantown, MD – November 17, 2016 –Earth Networks released its 2016-2017 U.S. Winter Outlook today, which considers a developing La Niña, an abnormally warm Northern Pacific Ocean and recent climate trends. Unlike last year’s strong El Niño, the focus this winter turns to El Niño’s cooler than normal counterpart, La Niña.
Last winter, Earth Networks Meteorologists correctly forecast the expected strong El Niño, which is the abnormal warming in the equatorial Pacific waters, would lead to a warmer than normal U.S. winter. In fact, winter 2015-2016 broke the record for highest average temperature for the lower 48.
Notable highlights:
- Dry Conditions Persist – The pattern caused by La Niña could keep winter rainfall away from southern and central California, enhancing the existing drought. Higher temperatures and lower rainfall could also intensify the drought across the South and Southeast.
- Wet and Snowy Northeast? – The Northeast may see frequent winter storms, which could chip away at its growing precipitation deficit.
- Northern Big Chill – An active jet stream across the northern tier will likely keep temperatures below average from the northern Rockies to the Great Lakes.
- Lake Effect Snow? – The active northern jet stream will likely send cold air across the Great Lakes, causing lake effect snow.
“The arrival of a weak La Niña could potentially lead to fast-changing weather conditions across the U.S. northern tier,” said Chad Merrill, Meteorologist, Earth Networks. “But, there is currently no clear indicator of severe cold or major blizzards in our future this winter.”
La Niña typically produces warm and dry winters in the southern U.S. and colder than average weather with more precipitation for the northern U.S.
For a more detailed look at the Earth Networks 2016-2017 U.S. Winter Weather Forecast visit Earth Networks.
About Earth Networks
For over 20 years, we’ve been Taking the Pulse of the Planet® using the world’s largest weather, lightning and greenhouse gas monitoring networks. Our sensors across the planet keep businesses and governments informed, updated and alerted. Our Connected Savings offering taps weather and connected home data for improved energy efficiency. Enterprises like schools, airports, professional sports teams, utilities, and government agencies rely on our early warning solutions to safeguard lives, prepare for weather events and optimize operations.
