Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Video: Feds forecast warmer winter for Minnesota

U.S. Winter Outlook: Temperature
A strong El Niño effect will bring above-average temperatures across much of the western and northern United States, including Minnesota, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration outlook.
Courtesy of NOAA

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Minnesotans might not need to bundle up so much this winter.

A strong El Niño effect will bring above-average temperatures across much of the western and northern United States, including Minnesota, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday as it released its 2015-2016 winter outlook.

This year's El Niño, "among the strongest on record," is expected to influence weather and climate patterns this winter by affecting the position of the Pacific jet stream, the agency said. The winter outlook calls for cooler and wetter weather in southern states.

U.S. Winter Outlook: Precipitation
The winter outlook calls for cooler and wetter weather in southern states, according to NOAA.
Courtesy of NOAA

"A strong El Niño is in place and should exert a strong influence over our weather this winter," Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, said in a statement. "While temperature and precipitation impacts associated with El Niño are favored, El Niño is not the only player. Cold-air outbreaks and snow storms will likely occur at times this winter.

Officials also said that by the end of January central and southern California should see some improvement in its severe drought with more relief possible in February and March.

"However, drought is likely to persist in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, with drought development likely in Hawaii, parts of the northern Plains and in the northern Great Lakes region," according to the outlook.

Video: Winter outlook