January El Nino Update - El Nino Watch Continues

news image
Special Stories
11 Jan 2019 12:01 PM
Just like last month, the surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean is nice and warm, but the atmosphere has yet to respond so an El Nino watch continues. A full El Nino pattern is still expected to form between now and Spring, but chances have been lower to 65% this month (from 90% in December). According to the Climate Prediction Center's (CPC) latest advisory, there are "widespread above-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) across the equatorial Pacific Ocean." Despite the above-average ocean temperatures, the overall atmosphere circulation continued to reflect neutral conditions.  The late winter and early spring are the most favored months for the weather patterns to sync with the warm ocean temperatures, so there is a still a likelihood that El Nino will happen. The CPC notes that the majority of the long range climate forecast models predict a Niño3.4 index of +0.5°C or greater through at least the Northern Hemisphere into Spring. However, given the timing and that a weak event is favored, significant global impacts are not anticipated during the remainder of winter, if conditions were to form. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Elevated Tornado Risk Targets the Midwest Friday

Elevated Tornado Risk Targets the Midwest Friday

A dynamic summer weather pattern is setting t

11 Jul 2025 10:20 AM
Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

While the Atlantic appears quiet, conditions

11 Jul 2025 9:40 AM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

11 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

The severe weather and flood threat continues

11 Jul 2025 2:35 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

10 Jul 2025 10:00 AM
Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

A slow-moving monsoonal thunderstorm develope

10 Jul 2025 1:55 AM
Dangerous Heat Building Out West

Dangerous Heat Building Out West

WEST - Heat alerts have been issued across th

9 Jul 2025 9:00 AM