Strong El Niño Forecasts Wetter, Stormier Winter Across Southern U.S.
What happened
A strong El Niño is causing the jet stream to shift south, which NOAA predicts will favor stormier weather across the South. The agency's winter outlook suggests wetter than average conditions from California to Florida and along the Eastern Seaboard, alongside warmer than average temperatures in the North.
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Why it matters
The southward shift of the jet stream increases the odds of heavy precipitation in the South. National Weather Service director Ken Graham warned that excessive rain on dry soil could cause destructive flash floods and mudslides.
El Niño is amplifying jet stream patterns, leading to floodwaters channeled by mountainous terrain in Arizona and Southern Florida.
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Who's involved
- El NinoA major climate pattern that drives global temperature and weather shifts
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationMonitors and forecasts the physical conditions and global impacts of El Nino climate patterns
- FloridaA state within the southern U.S. region forecasted to be wetter and stormier
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Southern CaliforniaSpeculative
Southern California could face increased storm and flood risk, potentially raising insurance costs.
- NextEra EnergySpeculative
NextEra Energy might see increased infrastructure damage and repair costs due to severe weather frequency.
- Federal Emergency Management AgencySpeculative
Federal Emergency Management Agency could experience higher demand for federal disaster assistance due to severe weather risk.
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The entities involved
Related events
- The Atlantic basin is tracking tropical storm development while El Niño causes strong wind shear, leading to low pressure systems bringing moisture to the Carolinas.
- El Nino development increases extreme weather risk.
- El Niño has been observed to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin.
- The El Nino phenomenon has been observed to affect winter temperatures in Japan.
- El Niño drives heat waves and drought risk, with Pacific Ocean conditions affecting global weather patterns across regions including California, Colorado, and the Indian Ocean.