Weather has always been extreme, but the summer of 2023 has experienced a new level of heat, drought, biblical flooding and billion-dollar weather and climate disasters.
Confidence levels are high that the the fall and winter months will be milder and drier than average, based on a developing Super El Nino pattern in the Pacific Ocean
The El Nino pattern currently underway may quickly become a Super El Nino, keeping the Northland warmer and drier into next winter, with frequent outbreaks of "weather weirding".
Ready for a generous serving of weather whiplash? The models are blinking yellow: suggesting an El Nino warming phase of the Pacific by summer, a pattern that may favor warmer and drier conditions into next winter.
Flowers are blooming in the southern USA - lake effect snowbelts in Ohio and upstate New York were in the 60s and 70s a couple days ago. What is going on, and why is so much of the nation experiencing springlike warmth?
La Nina has kept the Northland cooler than average for much of the last 3 years but that chilly bias in the Pacific may be giving way to an El Nino event later this year, which would imply much warmer conditions next winter. Much is up in the air, but the patterns are shifting.
El Niño has a firm grip on the Northland, delaying snowfall and cold temperatures for those that love winter activities. I spoke with WDIO Chief Meteorologist Justin Liles about this year's El Niño, and he's making some pretty bold predictions about snowfall and temperatures.