Hurricane season is winding down with the Atlantic quiet for months, but forecasters say the weather pattern behind that calm, El Niño, is expected to persist through the winter. National Weather Service Miami meteorologist Robert Moyeda said Pacific Ocean water temperatures are expected to run much warmer than normal.
Experts are calling this year’s event a “Super El Niño.” Moyeda said it could be the strongest since 1950, when the Pacific began being measured and categorized as El Niño or La Niña. The pattern has already broken records before reaching its normal peak.
The outlook for South Florida calls for a greater chance of above-normal rainfall than a typical winter. Moyeda also warned of an increased chance of severe weather, including tornadoes, across the state. He said tornadoes can cause significant damage and urged residents to prepare.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s winter outlook predicts Florida temperatures near normal, with precipitation chances above average. Experts also said climate change could play a role in the season’s conditions.
Recent flooding has already hit the region. Sunrise saw significant flooding at Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena on Monday and Tuesday, according to the report.
