Power of 5 Winter Forecast: A Planet-Driven Season With a Fast Start

Contrary to years in the past... this winter isn’t being steered by just one dominant pattern. In fact, the entire planet has more influence this year than in most recent winters — and that opens the door to a much wider range of outcomes.

A Winter Without a Clear El Niño or La Niña Driver

We talk about El Niño and La Niña a lot because they often set the tone for the entire season. But this year, neither is in control. With no dominant signal in the tropical Pacific, other ocean–atmosphere patterns are stepping into the spotlight.

Oceans Take the Lead

Much of what happens in our winter weather begins with the oceans. One major player this year is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) — a long-term, 10-year cycle t

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