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La Niña, the climate pattern, is almost fully formed. Should Iowa expect a colder winter?

La Niña Winters: What Iowans Can Expect

What is La Niña?

La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. La Niña events typically last for 9 to 12 months, but they can sometimes last for as long as 18 months.

What are the impacts of La Niña?

• In the United States, La Niña winters are often associated with colder and drier conditions in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
• La Niña can also lead to more frequent and intense storms in the southern and western parts of the country.
• Globally, La Niña can lead to changes in weather patterns, including drought in some areas and flooding in others.

What is the current La Niña outlook?

The current La Niña event began in September 2020 and is expected to last through the winter of 2022-23. This is the second consecutive La Niña winter, which is a relatively rare occurrence.

What can Iowans expect this winter?

According to the National Weather Service, Iowa is expected to experience a colder and drier winter than normal this year. The average temperature for the winter is expected to be 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. The state is also expected to receive less precipitation than normal, with the greatest deficits in the western and central parts of the state.

How can Iowans prepare for a colder and drier winter?

There are a number of things that Iowans can do to prepare for a colder and drier winter, including:

• Make sure your home is properly insulated and weatherized.
• Stock up on firewood or other heating fuel.
• Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned.
• Purchase a snowblower or snow shovel.
• Be prepared for power outages by having a generator and flashlights on hand.
• Dress in layers when going outside and make sure to cover your head, neck, and hands.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.