WINTER WEATHER FORECAST FOR 2009/2010

If you've been watching us lately, then you've probably heard us talking about the weather phenomenon known as El Nino. Here's a better description on what that is...

El Nino happens when the water in the Pacific ocean off the south American coast gets warmer than it usually is.
A long time ago, fishermen noticed that fish they normally caught in this region of the Pacific were no where to be found. They noticed the water temperature being a bit warmer than usual. They contributed this to the lack of fish and a bad fishing season. It just so happened, that they noticed this happening around Christmas. So they gave it the name El Nino, meaning boy or the Christ child in spanish.
Years later this still happens every few years. But some times, the water temps drop and get colder than average. This was called the opposite, La Nina!
Weather patterns go in cycles and both El Nino and La Nina are typical cyclic weather patterns. Let's talk about our El Nino winter weather forecast

An El Nino weather pattern creates an active storm track across the southern U.S. This can lead to more clouds, rain, wind, and storms. When you get clouds, it can also keep the temperatures down. We've already seen this happening this fall season, with what looks like perhaps the second or third coolest October on record. (I'll update this again after Halloween) Also, as we see more storms moving through, possibly interacting with cold air from the north, it could get interesting in regards to winter precip!
Here's what I'm forecasting for the rest of Fall into Winter!

Temperatures will remain cooler than average. Sure, there will be periods where it warms up some, but overall, it should be cool!
Rainfall should be above average too.
I also expect a better than average chance of seeing a major ice or snow storm across Texoma.

So there you have it! Your winter weather forecast and a little explanation on El Nino! Dress warm this winter and stay dry!