What Does this Winter Hold for Us?

The Climate Prediction Center has come out with an update to the El Nino situation that is currently developing in the Eastern Pacific. As it looks right now, the current forecast is right on track for the strengthening of El Nino through the winter and into Spring. So what does that mean for us in terms of our winter? Well, looking back at previous El Nino seasons, winters tended to be a little milder than average and precipitation fell below average. As far as snow, there were only a few years that snowfall totals were more than the average: 1963 and 1987! Every other El Nino year, snowfall amounts were below normal! Typically the effects of El Nino aren't felt until later in the season, but this could be very interesting to see how Rockford will pan out. Read more about this unfolding event from The National Weather Service.