Winter Weather Outlook: Strong El Niño Impact on US and Minnesota

Forecasters predict a fairly strong El Niño pattern for the upcoming winter, which will have implications for the US weather. The presence of El Niño will result in a more southerly storm track, bringing a warmer and milder winter for the northern United States and southern Canada. The northern tier of the US is expected to experience a dry winter with less snow, while the southern half of the country, including New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, will likely see an enhanced storm pattern and more rainfall, providing drought relief. However, seasonal forecasts have limited utility, and the impact of climate change on established weather patterns remains uncertain.