GREENSBORO, N.C. — We've certainly had our fair share of rain lately across the Triad these past several weeks. You might be wondering why it's been so wet. Well, as highlighted in our earlier Winter Outlook for 2023-24 our area is under the influence of an El Niño this winter. See how this impacts the Triad and all of the United States for that matter!
El Niño Winter
An El Niño is marked by above-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, mainly near the equator. This phenomenon occurs every 2-7 years.
While it starts in the Pacific near the equator, the impacts of an El Niño can be felt all around the world. In the summertime it's influence on the United States isn't normally as significant; impacts become more prevalent during the winter.
Wetter Than Average
A strong El Niño can result in wetter than average conditions for the southern US (including the Triad) versus drier than average for the Pacific Northwest and Ohio valley. This is due to the influence of the subtropical jet stream.
Moisture-rich systems that can lead to severe weather are the result of storms tracking farther south.
El Niño does increase the chances for a wet, stormy winter and an early spring
El Niño's are known to reach peak intensity in the winter months, thus, this is most likely time we'd see impacts in our neck of the woods. The average normal amount of precipitation in December is 3.17", we more than doubled this value at 7.10" of rain. As of January 12th, we have already surpassed the normal monthly normal of 3.39" with 4.31" of rain so far.
We'll keep you updated on rain tallies and possible severe weather events as it's influence still holds strong across the south. El Niño's are also likely to weaken into the spring and summer months.
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