This year, the United States is experiencing an El Nino for the first time in four years. This means that the northern states will experience warmer-than-usual temperatures during the winter while others parts of the country will see a wetter winter season. 

El Nino winters occur at irregular intervals, every two to seven years, so they are not able to be predicted until they start to form. 

Science teacher Mr. Whitmore said that the warmer temperatures may or may not affect the amount of snowfall. While precipitation will be higher than normal, it could appear in the form of either rain or snow. 

While the northern part of New Hampshire has already seen some significant snow, the southern regions have light accumulations compared to previous winters.

The warmer temperatures may seem unusual to those used to experiencing frigid winters in New England. . 

“The temperatures will be below freezing at night throughout the winter, but there may be more days in the high-30s tolow-40s. You can expect the temperature to rise every time a storm comes across the country.”

The El Nino winter is not caused by global warming, however. Instead, it is caused by the trade winds in the Pacific Ocean being weaker than normal. For those who are not winter sports enthusiasts, El Nino is a welcomed occurrence.

“Snow is a pain in the neck,” said English teacher Mr. Graziano. “Is it baseball season yet?”