An intensifying El Nino, a natural warming of the equatorial Pacific, is heading to historically strong levels, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This year’s El Nino has an 81% chance of becoming ‘very strong’ by fall, which could lead to a rainier winter in the US South.

Impacts of El Nino

El Nino’s biggest impacts are likely to be felt in the fall and winter, with droughts, downpours, and heat waves expected. The US South can expect a rainier winter, while the northern United States and Canada may experience warmer winter conditions.

El Nino also dampens Atlantic hurricane season, with Colorado State University reducing its prediction for the number of storms due to increased confidence in a strong El Nino. Global impacts include a drier Indonesia and a warmer and wetter eastern Pacific.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.