Summary
Forecasters have updated their predictions about El Niño, a weather pattern that may occur later this year and affect the U.S. weather. El Niño can cause different weather changes, such as drier conditions in the northern U.S. and wetter conditions in the southern U.S. The National Weather Service expects the pattern to possibly develop by mid-year.
Key Facts
- El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects global weather.
- The National Weather Service says El Niño has a 61% chance of developing between May and July.
- El Niño can lead to warmer and drier conditions in the Northern U.S. and Canada.
- The Southern U.S. might experience wetter conditions due to El Niño.
- El Niño may reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic but increase it in the Pacific.
- There is a 25% chance of a very strong El Niño occurring.
- "ENSO-neutral" means neither El Niño nor La Niña patterns are active.
- Further updates from the National Weather Service are expected on May 14.
