El NiƱo is officially here!
@NOAA National Weather Service announced today that El NiƱo has developed in the tropical Pacific, issuing an El NiƱo Advisory. They say it's expected to strengthen through fall and winter, but there's also a 63% chance the event reaches "very strong" status.
The timing is notable: 75% of the U.S. is currently experiencing dryness or drought conditions, a slight improvement from last week. But a year ago, that figure was just 48%.
A stronger El NiƱo could bring much-needed moisture to some drought-stricken areas. But the two areas meteorologists are still concerned about? The Pacific Northwest and parts of the South.