El Nino is Returning this Winter – Here’s What that Means for Northern California
El Nino typically occurs every 3-5 years when ocean water temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal, creating abnormal weather patterns across North America. Well, buckle up, because experts think it’s coming back this year.
Weather officials have forecasted that there’s a significant chance of El Nino weather patterns returning for the winter of 2018/2019. By November, there’s a 50 percent chance of El Nino hitting and that number increases to 70 percent by mid-winter.
There is a 50-55% chance of #ElNino onset during the Northern Hemisphere fall 2018 (September-November), increasing to 65-70% during winter 2018-19. https://t.co/yAYzAEJFZR pic.twitter.com/K6xFFabF4V
— NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) September 13, 2018
El Nino does not guarantee any specific weather pattern throughout the winter in Northern California. It’s not a single storm, but rather a long lasting weather phenomenon that lasts 9-12 months. In 2015, California continued its devastating drought as El Nino brought giant snowstorms to the northeastern states.
Simply put, El Nino creates extreme weather behaviors across the world and Northern California is no different. In 1997/1998, El Nino brought massive precipitation to Northern California, creating large accumulations of snow in the mountains and $550 million in rain and flood damages in California.
Each El Niño differs in intensity and duration, so no two El Niño events are the same. But with Norther California’s location along the equator and proximity to the jet stream, it’s in an abnormally fluctuating area. During an El Niño winter, the Pacific jet stream can stay in the lower half of the country, allowing for wetter than usual weather in cities like Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the northern cities like Portland and Seattle see less precipitation. With Northern California sitting between the two, it’s difficult to forecast which extreme we’ll receive.
So, needless to say, we still don’t know what will happen in the upcoming winter, but with continued drought conditions and the massive wildfires plaguing Northern California this year, extreme precipitation would bring problems like flooding and mudslides. A drawn-out winter of slow and steady rain would be good for the dry areas, but extreme weather behaviors that are typical of El Nino could be devastating.
Extreme precipitation of the 2017 winter brought massive flooding in Norther California, including the overflow of Oroville Dam and the subsequent collapse of its spillway. The incident cause thousands of residents to evacuate the area and repairs of the dam have now exceeded $1 billion. With the hefty price of fires in California, more extreme weather incidents could have a significant financial effect on the state’s budget.
The Farmer’s Almanac released their upcoming winter prediction and it brings news of a cold, wet winter in Northern California. Of course, their models aren’t precise, but they are the oldest weather predictor in the country.
For now, we just have to wait and see. But it’s important to be prepared for extreme weather this winter, especially in areas affected by fire. Let’s hope that El Nino brings some good news for the winter.
My family members every time say that I am killing my time here at web, but
I know I am getting knowledge every day by reading thes pleasant articles.
First, make sure that the casino you opt for is trustworthy and has a license.
This iis a essential element we have thoughjt of inn assessing the top rated sports betting apps in the US.
Why people still make use of to read news papers when in this technological globe everything is existing
on net?
I read this paragraph completely on the topic of the difference of most recent and preceding technologies, it’s
awesome article.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely helpful info particularly the last part
🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Hello my friend! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice
written and include approximately all important infos.
I’d like to peer more posts like this .
You need to take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the internet.
I will highly recommend this website!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who
has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner
because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your blog.
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to
do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let
you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Many thanks
whoah this weblog is great i love reading your posts.
Stay up the good work! You understand, lots of persons are looking around for this information, you
can help them greatly.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital
to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your
blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Paragraph writing is also a fun, if you be familiar with then you can write or else it is complicated
to write.
My relatives all the time say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know I am getting know-how
all the time by reading such fastidious content.
Great post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!
Very useful info specially the ultimate phase 🙂
I handle such information much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a very
lengthy time. Thank you and good luck.
You made some really good points there. I checked on the web for
additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article post. I like to write a little comment to support you.
Really no matter if someone doesn’t know after that its up to other viewers that
they will help, so here it takes place.