Very Strong El Nino Could Be Good News For SE Wyoming Drought

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says a very strong El Niño system could mean Southeast Wyoming will experience a warmer-than-usual winter with above-average precipitation.

So What Might This Mean For Southeast Wyoming?

The Cheyenne Office of the National Weather Service released the following summary of what the NOAA could mean for Southeast Wyoming:

• A very strong El Niño has developed and is expected to influence weather across the United States this season before weakening in Spring 2027.
• The official NOAA winter outlook leans towards above-average temperatures this season, most probable in fall through mid-winter.
• The official NOAA winter outlook leans towards above-average precipitation this season, most probable in the shoulder seasons (November to early December, mid-February to April). As a result, the drought is favored to improve in far southeast Wyoming and portions of the Nebraska panhandle.
• The outlook for this season favors fewer high wind events compared to average, and a reduced average wind speed over the cool season.

The report is good news for both Cheyenne and Laramie, as it could mean the prevailing weather pattern will bring diminished drought conditions. However, the report only indicates more or less likely outcomes, not guarantees.