Most of Georgia could be in for a warmer-than-normal fall as a strengthening El Niño influences weather patterns. NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) latest seasonal outlook calls for above-average temperatures across much of the Southeast from September through November.
North Georgia’s chances are slightly less. A 50-50 chance.
Forecasters say a strengthening El Niño is expected to play a major role, with better than a 90 percent chance of becoming a very strong event by fall and winter. MSN reports Georgia, all but a corner of the state at the Alabama-Tennessee lines, also has increased odds of seeing above-normal rainfall this fall compared to many other parts of the country.
While long-range forecasts can’t predict specific storms, meteorologists say El Niño often brings wetter conditions to the Southeast as the season progresses.