El Niño's Potential Winter Impact on NJ and CA: 2023-24 Outlook

El Niño has returned for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially influencing temperatures in New Jersey. While El Niño's impact on the state is limited, it generally leads to milder temperatures and the potential for rain or mixed precipitation events. Previous winters dominated by La Niña brought varying snowfall patterns across the state, with some areas experiencing above-average snowfall while others saw below-average amounts. The strength of the upcoming El Niño is uncertain, but there is a higher chance of a moderate to strong El Niño, which historically correlates with warmer temperatures in New Jersey. Other factors, such as the Quasi-biennial Oscillation and colder Atlantic Ocean temperatures, may also contribute to above-average temperatures in December and January.