By Powder Matt

While still enjoying the heat of summer it is time to dig into the early winter 2016 forecast. Time to start building that stoke. Right now there is loads of chatter out there about the current forecast showing the winter of 2016 to be one of the strongest El Ninos on recent record.

More background from NOAA

As the position of the warm water along the equator shifts back and forth across the Pacific Ocean, the position where the greatest evaporation of water into the atmosphere also shifts with it. This has a profound effect on the average position of the jet stream which, in turn, effects the storm track.

So based on the strength of the El Nino will determine not only the location but the intensity.

Right now the early indications are coming in big!

“We have a relatively confident forecast for a strong event, and this provides long-range forecasters with information they can use to develop their seasonal forecasts. So, although there are no guarantees, the odds nonetheless really are tilted in specific directions in various parts of the U.S. as far as winter climate is concerned. A significant El Niño like this one provides an uncommon opportunity for people to anticipate the climate tendency well in advance of the main impact season.”– Emily Becker (Research Scientist for the NOAA Climate Prediction Center)

2016 El Nino is in the weather cards- graphic compliments of NOAA

There is still time to do your ‘Snow Dance’ and do your part to make this winter ‘Big!’