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
Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions will k

9 May 2025 3:15 AM
Severe Thunderstorm Threat from Texas to Florida

Severe Thunderstorm Threat from Texas to Florida

A splitting storm system will bring the threa

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Late Week Heat Back in the West

Late Week Heat Back in the West

WEST - Hazardous heat is back in the forecast

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Southeast Soaker This Weekend

Southeast Soaker This Weekend

A large trough of low pressure stalls over th

8 May 2025 1:40 AM
Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Looking at the rain from a glass half full le

7 May 2025 12:40 PM
Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

7 May 2025 2:00 AM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

3 May 2025 4:30 PM