SOUTHLAND – (INT) – The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has upped its prediction on the formation of the next El Nino which could have an impact on California’s weather in the coming months.

The transition away from a drier La Nina is just beginning far out in the Pacific Ocean. Shifting winds and warming ocean surface temperatures are already in the works. The CPC reported Thursday May 11th “high levels of above-average oceanic heat content.”

It’s now upgraded to 80% the chance of at least a moderate El Niño and a better than even chance of a strong El Niño. In contrast, the CPC said is still possible the tropical atmosphere does not couple with the ocean, and El Niño fails to materialize but the chances are only 5%-10%.

Story Date: May 12, 2023