AccuWeather meteorologists say El Niño conditions have likely developed in the tropical Pacific and could have significant implications for U.S. agriculture and weather patterns over the next two years. According to AccuWeather, sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific have risen above the threshold typically used to declare El Niño conditions. Experts believe the pattern could strengthen rapidly and may even develop into a rare "Super El Niño."
“The sea surface temperatures are quickly rising in the equatorial Pacific,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok. “This El Niño will most likely begin soon and strengthen quickly.” For farmers, El Niño can bring wetter conditions to parts of the Southwest, while increasing the risk of drier weather in some already drought-stricken regions of the country. The weather pattern may also reduce Atlantic hurricane activity by increasing wind shear across the basin. AccuWeather forecasts 11 to 16 named storms this hurricane season.
-NAFB