What Your Facility Can Expect This Winter

According to AccuWeather, a strengthening El Niño is going to mean significant weather situations that facilities should be prepared for this winter, particularly in the Northeast and Southern United States.

As defined by the U.S. National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, which occurs on average every two to seven years. But while it might begin in the Pacific, the effects of an El Niño extend far beyond the ocean’s coastline.

​“Depending on its strength, El Niño can cause a range of impacts, such as increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and droughts in certain locations around the world,” said Michelle L’Heureux, climate scientist at the U.S. Climate Prediction Center. “Climate change can exacerbate or mitigate certain impacts related to El Niño. For example, El Niño could lead to new records for temperatures, particularly in areas that already experience above-average temperatures during El Niño.”

AccuWeather is predicting that this year’s El Niño will cause an above-average snowfall in the Northeast, especially in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Buffalo, New York—a city known for massive snowfall events—will see more snow as well, although AccuWeather is predicting an historically average amount.

In the South, AccuWeather expects what it calls a “rollercoaster” season, with severe weather and tornado risks throughout the Gulf Coast states and possibly some wintery precipitation in the Tennessee Valley. The southern states will also be colder than usual during January and February, which will cause an increase in heating demands and costs.

The Central United States are predicted to start the season with periods of both mild and colder temperatures. However, an anticipated polar vortex shift could bring much colder air as winter progresses, again resulting in higher energy bills for heating. Snowfall amounts should be less than last year.

There are several steps that all facilities can follow in order to prepare successfully for the upcoming winter season. Check out Six Steps to Prepare Your Facility for Winter and 6 Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to Take Now for important tips on how to be ready for the season.