National Weather Service Forecasts Warmer Winter for Pacific Northwest Amidst El Niño Event
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released its November, December, and January forecast, indicating warmer-than-normal temperatures for the entirety of the Pacific Northwest. This forecast, issued on October 15, comes amidst a record-breaking El Niño event in the Pacific. The CPC stated that the highest odds for warmer conditions are predicted for the southeastern mainland, Southeast Alaska, the Pacific Northwest to the northern Plains, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast, consistent with typical observations during strong El Niño events. While the forecast suggests an above-average temperature for the three-month period, it does not preclude cold spells, but rather indicates a higher average. Precipitation levels are expected to be normal, but warmer temperatures may lead to less snow.