Here’s What an Impending El Niño Winter , Could Mean for the US.<br />The phenomenon known as <br />El Niño began in June, CNN reports.<br />It is forecast to be strong this coming <br />winter and endure into next spring, <br />NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says.<br />The jet stream usually shifts south <br />amid an El Niño winter.<br />This typically results in the South experiencing wetter and cooler weather, while the North encounters drier and warmer conditions, NOAA says.<br />This typically results in the South experiencing wetter and cooler weather, while the North encounters drier and warmer conditions, NOAA says.<br />The South can also become more susceptible to "freezing rain, sleet and snow," CNN reports.<br />If typical trends arise, this would be unfortunate <br />for the Midwest, which is dealing with drought, .<br />and for the Pacific Northwest, which <br />relies on snowpack as a water source.<br />El Niño winter patterns aren't as predictable in areas such as California, the Southwest and the Northeast.<br />El Niño's strength will <br />determine precipitation conditions.<br />For example, the 2018-2019 season experienced a weak El Niño which produced America's wettest winter on record with above-average temperatures.<br />But during the 2015-2016 season, <br />a strong El Niño contributed to the U.S.' <br />warmest winter on record, NOAA reports.<br />However, there were still massive snowstorms, including an East Coast blizzard that resulted in fatalities and halted travel
