A recent article discusses the onset of El Niño and its potential impact on California’s upcoming winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 97% chance of a strong or very strong El Niño by December, which historically correlates with significant rainfall and storm impacts in the region. Past powerful El Niño events in 1982-83 and 1997-98 resulted in over twice the normal precipitation in downtown Los Angeles.
The article notes that El Niño affects global weather patterns, particularly increasing rainfall in Southern California, which poses risks such as landslides and coastal erosion. Additionally, the warm ocean temperatures associated with El Niño may exacerbate existing marine heatwaves, affecting marine life. Meteorologists warn of potential declines in plankton levels, harmful algae blooms, and diminished reproductive success for some marine mammals. The article highlights the expected pronounced weather effects and the need for caution in the upcoming winter season.
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