I guess I wasn't paying attention and don't even remember what year that would have been. However, I was under the impression that El Nino effects on the east coast was for dryer winters. The west coast gets the extra rain.

I'd just be happy if El Nino pushed the jet stream up where it ought to be instead of looping down to bring us single digit temps in the winter. Used to be the App. Mtns were our shield from most of the harshest weather here on the Piedmont.

Hey Lois,

You raised an interesting point !

I was looking into it, and this link came up

https://climate.ncsu.edu/PDFs/office/25th/enso.pdf

Spot on.

I wish the article also gave info on the low temps in winter, .. how severe will it be.

I will keep on digging, I am not a fan of harsh or long winter.

here is another link with more info on increased winter precipitation during El Nino

http://www.weather.gov/ilm/Winter2015-2016

Thanks Sabji! It sounds like we might get a lot of rain this winter.

As you mentioned in the post, I just wish there is little or no ice precipitation!

Small favors!!

Up here in coastal NJ, El Nino winters often mean a LOT of coastal nor'easters. In a word, RAIN..., and wind..., and maybe snow..., but not arctic cold. Last two Winter here were freakishly snow (and cold), looking forward, if only to..., 'NORMAL' Winter!

I think "normal" re-writes it's own definition every year. I also believe that constantly moist winter soils due to the breakdown of well-intended amendments when planting then covered by rotting mulch lead to more plant death by root rot. Soils have to breathe and excess moisture has to evaporate or you have a breeding ground for detrimental forms of fungus and anaerobic bacteria.

We used to have a fairly reliable temperate climate here on the Piedmont but not so much anymore. Extremes of temperature and rainfall seem to be more the normal.

The Fish at WRDU says that there is a very low correlation between colder winters (or increased snowfall totals) and a strong El Nino. However, he does cite a relatively strong correlation with wetter winters and a strong El Nino.

Ask Fish

good point!!

Thanks for the link, northraleighguy. Seems the answer is: "It depends"!