Meteorologist James Spann sets the record straight on El Niño…

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Wanted to share this piece I originally posted a few weeks ago. The “Super El Niño” hype has exploded; here is a calm, logical look at the setup…

EL NINO: There is much chatter across social media platforms about the developing El Niño ENSO phase. No doubt a strong El Niño phase is ahead based on current trends, and it will most likely mean a relatively calm Atlantic hurricane season. That is a good thing.

But, what does it mean for winter?

El Niño often has a noticeable influence on Alabama winters, although it doesn’t determine every weather event. Other climate patterns, such as the Arctic Oscillation (AO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), can override or enhance its effects.

For Alabama, a super El Niño tends to favor:

* Cooler than average temperatures overall, especially from January through March. While there will still be warm spells, cold air outbreaks are often more frequent than during La Niña winters.

* Wetter than average conditions. The subtropical jet stream is usually stronger and positioned farther south, bringing more frequent storm systems across the Gulf Coast and Deep South.

* More cloudy and rainy days. Winter can feel persistently damp, with extended stretches of overcast skies.

* An increased risk of flooding. With more frequent storm systems, heavy rainfall events become more likely.

* An increased chance of severe thunderstorms. The stronger jet stream often provides more wind shear, so if warm, unstable Gulf air is present, Alabama can experience significant severe weather outbreaks, particularly from late winter into early spring. Remember, Alabama’s tornado season runs from November through May.

* A slightly better chance for snow and ice, especially across north Alabama. El Niño doesn’t guarantee snow, but the combination of more frequent storm systems and occasional cold air intrusions increases the opportunities for winter precipitation.

Historical examples

* 1982–83: Wet and relatively cool, with several notable winter storms.

* 1997–98: One of the strongest El Niños on record. Alabama had a very wet winter and numerous severe weather events, including destructive tornado outbreaks.

* 2015–16: Another super El Niño. Rainfall was well above average, and the Southeast experienced several significant severe weather events, including the Christmas 2015 tornado outbreak.

What it doesn’t mean

A super El Niño does not guarantee:

* Cold weather every day.
* Frequent snow.
* Constant storms.

Alabama can still experience extended mild periods, and a single Arctic outbreak or snowstorm depends on the timing of cold air relative to approaching storm systems.

Bottom line: For Alabama, El Niño generally tilts the odds toward a cooler, wetter, stormier winter, with an increased risk of flooding, severe thunderstorms, and somewhat better odds of snow in the northern part of the state. It’s one of the more favorable large-scale climate patterns for active winter weather across the Deep South.

Time will tell.

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