Strongest El Nino event in 50 years predicted for this winter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has put out there official winter weather outlook for the 2015/16 winter season. El Niño is the name of the game and their predictions are inline with what has been historically seen during winters with a strong El Niño event. Many believe that the 2015/2016 winter could see the strongest El Nino event in 50 years.

Since NOAA is an American organization there is no information for Canada but if you have a look at the photos and read the detials below you can formulate your own predictions.

WINNERS

Currently the Southwest is the heavy favourite moving into the winter. According to NOAA, the majority of the Southwest regions has a 30-40% chance of above average precipitation this winter. 

A 30% wetter than average year for Northern California mean Mt. Shasta could possibly receive historic snowfalls. And that’s great news for drought stricken California.

Colorado has experienced one of its wettest springs on record and if the trend continues throughout the winter, expect a more seasonable winter season than this past year with significant accumulations falling during the early season all the way through February.

LOSERS

The Pacific Northwest. NOAA is predicting a 30-40% dryer than normal season for the PNW, this after last season’s significantly shortage of snow.

Following the lead of the Pacific Northwest, the northern Rocky Mountain States (Idaho/Montana) are projected to have weak winters with 40% less than their average snowfall. 

The Midwest is in the same boat with 30-40% less than the average snowfall being projected.

WILDCARDS

Meteorologists are unsure as to how northwest Wyoming will shake out this winter. El Niño is known to have varying effects in the region depending on how far the Jet Stream extends from south to north.

Utah is also a wildcard here, as El Niño can be great or devastating. However, Accuweather is currently predicting that southern Utah will have a better than normal season.

The northeast has an equal chance for average snowfall according to NOAA. We’ll just have to wait and see if a polar vortex hits New England and provides plentiful powder along the East Coast again this season.

(Photos and story from unofficial networks)