Newly Released Maps Unveil Winter Snowfall Distribution Amidst Intensifying El Niño Phenomenon

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have released maps that provide insight into where snow could accumulate during the upcoming winter influenced by a strong El Niño. El Niño is a natural ocean and weather pattern in the tropical Pacific that is forecasted to reach the most significant level since 2015-2016, which was the warmest winter on record in the contiguous US. While El Niño typically brings wetter and cooler weather to the southern US and drier and warmer weather to the north, the maps show that wetter weather doesn’t necessarily mean more snow. The maps serve as historical guidebooks, not forecasts, and demonstrate the likelihood of snowfall during El Niño winters compared to the average. The maps show that the northern US tends to be drier and the southern US tends to be wetter during El Niño winters. The strength of the El Niño determines the magnitude of its impact, with stronger El Niños resulting in more extreme shifts in snowfall patterns. The mid-Atlantic, high elevations of the Southwest and California, and the South are expected to receive above-average snowfall during a strong El Niño. However, it is important to note that it still needs to be cold for snow to occur. Parts of Texas and the Southeast may remain too warm for snowfall. The maps also reveal that the Northwest and Midwest may experience less snow than average during stronger El Niños. In the past, stronger El Niños have caused below-average snowfall in these regions. However, it is worth mentioning that one massive storm, like a “juiced up” nor’easter, can significantly impact snow totals for the entire season in the Northeast. Overall, the maps provide a historical perspective on snowfall patterns during El Niño winters and can help individuals understand the potential snowfall in their region.