Will North Texas have a snow and ice problem? What to know about El Niño weather pattern
The El Niño weather pattern is returning this winter, which means a wetter-than-average season for Texas.
Meteorologists at the Climate Prediction Center announced an El Niño advisory back in June, noting that conditions are present and are expected to gradually strengthen into the winter. An update from the center on Thursday said the same thing.
From December to February, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration is predicting wetter-than-average conditions for the southern tier of the country, while the northern tier will likely see drier-than-average conditions.
The shift to El Niño conditions means that Texas may experience more moisture and rainfall this winter. Here’s what we know:
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures.
During El Niño, trade winds weaken and warmer water is pushed back east towards the west coasts of the Americas, according to the NOAA. The warm waters cause the Pacific jet stream to move south of its neutral position.
Essentially, during El Niño the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual, while the U.S. southeast and Gulf Coast are wetter than usual.
What does this mean for Texas?
For one thing, a wetter-than-average season could help push Texas past persistent drought conditions.
As of Thursday, most of Texas is fluctuating from moderate to exceptional drought conditions, according to U.S. Drought Monitor. Tarrant County is facing extreme drought conditions.
As El Niño takes shape this winter, the NOAA is predicting that drought conditions will improve across Texas, the southeast and Gulf Coast areas.
Along with rainfall, El Niño could also bring snowier conditions to the Lone Star State. Historical data does not seem to support the idea that snow and ice could come as early as the Thanksgiving holiday. But by December all bets are off.
How can you prepare a home for El Niño?
There are a few ways homeowners can prepare their property for potential rain and snowfall this winter.
Flooding and freezing
These tips from Texas Disposable Systems will help prevent flooding and freezing pipes:
- Protect pipes: Insulate both inside and outside pipes, along with disconnecting any hoses.
- Water shut-off: Locate and know where your water shut-off valve is.
- Clean gutters: Cleaning out gutters can help from water forming and then freezing on your roof.
- Insurance: Check your homeowner’s insurance to see if its covered for flood damage.
Power outage
Power outages could occur due to rainfall, here’s what to know:
- Check breaker: Before reporting an outage, check your breakers to make sure something isn’t tripped.
- Report: Report issues with electric service to Oncor, the electric transmission and distribution utility. Go online or call 888-313-4747.
- Prepare beforehand: Have flashlights and candles on hand and charge all electronics.
- Throw out any spoiled food or medication that needed to be refrigerated.
