As you probably have heard by now, California has a water problem – and by problem, I mean there is no freakin’ water. But, that may all change this fall as some forecasters now claim a very strong El Niño over the Pacific Ocean could bring huge storms to Southern California.
In a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center (which should really work on shortening it’s name), the agency claims that there is a 90 percent chance of El Niño conditions lasting through spring – bringing a chance of some huge storms making their way into Southern California. Via ABC 7:
Climate scientists say this year’s El Nino could rival the intensity of the record-setting 1997 El Niño season, which caused weather-related havoc around the world including mudslides and flooding in Southern California.
El Niño in 1997 was the strongest on record, measuring 2.3 on forecasters’ scales. Currently, this year’s El Niño is at a 1.0, but it’s still climbing. Some forecasters predict it will surpass 2.0.
And yes, rain will be great – but, do not look for the drought to be over reports The New York Times:
Even if El Niño could bring enormous amounts of rain to California, it will almost certainly not wipe out the state’s four years of drought, experts said. Central and Northern California, which supply much of the state’s water, do not typically get as much precipitation from an El Niño as Southern California, said Kevin Werner, director of western regional climate services for NOAA.
So yes, a season filled with record amounts of rain would almost certainly mean landslides and other disasters throughout So Cal (which is never equipped to deal with this type of thing) and yet, the drought would still go on.
California, what a place to call home.
