Strong El Niño Expected to Influence North American Winter Weather

Why it matters locally: Kentucky, situated in the southern United States, could experience increased winter precipitation due to the anticipated strong El Niño pattern. This could lead to a higher probability of snowfall and extreme weather events across the state during the upcoming winter season.

Climatologists forecast a strong phase of the El Niño climate pattern, commonly referred to as a 'Super El Niño,' to significantly influence winter weather across North America. This pattern typically intensifies during the winter months, altering both precipitation and temperature across the region. Researchers predict this strong El Niño will increase the probability of winter precipitation throughout the Southern United States. The pattern also impacts hurricane season activity. Forecasters have identified several states as susceptible to considerable snowfall and extreme weather occurrences during the upcoming winter season.