BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The latest data from the Climate Prediction Center shows that El Niño is likely to emerge soon and continue into the winter of 2026-27.
Large-scale weather patterns are controlled by our jet streams, with the polar jet in the north and the Pacific jet in the south.
In the winter, they both slide slightly to the south, so here in North Dakota, the polar jet is stronger. In the summer, both jets slide slightly to the north, so in the southern United States, the Pacific jet rules.
El Niño, and its opposite phase, La Niña, are driven by the water temperature of the Pacific Ocean. This then impacts the jet streams over North America.
In normal conditions, the strongest trade winds blow along the equator from South America towards Asia. This pushes the warm surface…
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