The impact of El Niño on the northeastern United States is typically:

• A. Cold winter
• B. Heavy snowfall
• C. Dry summer
• D. Warm winter

Answer: (D)

El Niño shifts large-scale weather patterns in a way that often keeps the Northeast warmer in winter. When the Pacific Ocean warms in the central and eastern part of that region, the atmospheric jet stream tends to propagate farther south and west, steering storm systems along a southern track. This pattern reduces the frequency of cold air outbreaks plunging into the Northeast and brings more mild air into the region, so winter temperatures tend to be above average. Snow is less likely overall because warmer air reduces the time air remains cold enough for snow, though strong storms can still bring snow if enough cold air is present at the same time. So, the typical impact for a winter in the Northeast under El Niño is a warmer winter.