The United States could experience the effects of two major weather patterns at the same time as a powerful El Niño continues to strengthen in the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic polar vortex shows signs of an unusually early collapse. The two developments could influence temperatures across the country in the coming weeks, bringing brief periods of colder weather to some regions.
a weakened polar vortex could allow Arctic air to move south and bring temporary cold spells While El Niño is expected to be the main influence on US weather this winter.
Meteorologists are watching both developments closely, according to a Newsweek report.
Super El Niño expected to strengthen this winter
El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern. It develops when ocean temperatures rise above average across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, along with changes in trade winds. The current El Niño has been strengthening for months, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters expect it to reach peak strength this winter. A strong El Niño can influence weather across different parts of the United States. It generally brings warmer and drier conditions to northern regions, while the southern states can experience wetter and stormier weather. Higher snowfall is also possible in parts of the Intermountain West and the higher elevations of the Southwest.
