La Nina continues to strengthen as eastern Pacific waters cooled during the month of October, according to data from NOAA.
This pattern is expected to last through winter and long-range weather forecasts show the influence of the current La Nina.
A typical pattern for La Nina brings warmer and drier conditions in the southern U.S. and cooler, wetter conditions in the north.
As a disclaimer, the ENSO status (La Nina or El Nino) is only one of many driving forces to global weather patterns, so all years look a bit different.
With that being said, current forecast modeling for November through January shows a close trend towards the "typical" La Nina pattern.
There is a 40-60% probability of above-average temperatures in the southern two-thirds of the U.S. through winter.
The precipitation outlook indicates a greater probability of drier conditions in the south and wetter conditions north.
For Colorado, La Nina and El Nino years can be more subtle, and unnoticeable on a daily basis. This winter we are likely to see less frequent snowstorms or underperforming snow totals. Monthly temperatures are likely to be above average.
A winter like this is expected to maintain or worsen drought in the state.
