SOUTHLAND – (INT) – It may seem like El Nino is playing hide-n-seek. But, climatologists insist the warm-water phenomenon is very much in evidence in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Water temperatures are running 2.3 degrees centigrade above normal making El Nino as strong as the last major event during the winter of 1997-98.

In spite of the record, warm dry conditions in California, forecasters believe the potential exists for significant stormy weather through April. Above normal precipitation is predicted for March and April.

So far this winter, rainfall is running 50%-60% of normal for valley areas of the Inland Empire. But, the mountain resorts are above normal in both rain and snowfall.

Blocking high pressure in the Eastern Pacific will have to shift away from Southern California to enable El Nino’s rains to reach the Southland.

Story Date: February 11, 2016