"This winter, an emerging La Niña is anticipated to influence upcoming weather patterns, particularly in terms of precipitation," said Jon Gottschalck, chief of the Operational Prediction Branch at the Climate Prediction Center.
During La Niña, trade winds strengthen, while during El Niño, weaker winds allow warm water to move closer to the West Coast. These patterns have significant impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems and economies around the globe, according to the National Weather Service.
The NOAA's winter forecast predicts wetter-than-average conditions across the northern part of the country, with especially high precipitation expected in the Pacific Northwest. However, southern regions, including parts of California, may experience drier-than-average conditions.
Overall, the outlook shows California has 'equal chances' of above or below-average temperatures. Southern California has about a 30% likelihood of warmer-than-average winter temperatures.
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