Summer is coming to a close, and everyone is looking forward to the next big thing: snow and the holiday season (or is that just me?)! Okay, okay – so maybe we are getting ahead of ourselves here, but we think it’s our duty to inform you that scientists foresee the return of La Nina this winter. Here is what that means for Colorado:

Brace yourself, Coloradans, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a report predicting a La Nina beginning as early as September.
Flickr/NOAA Photo Library
As per its most recent update, " ENSO-neutral is favored for the remainder of summer (~60% chance in the July-September season), with La Niña possibly emerging during the August-October season and lasting through the 2021-22 winter (~70% chance during November-January)."
NOAA/Wikimedia Commons
What is a La Nina, and what does it mean for Colorado? Beginning as a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean, the La Nina causes ocean surface temperatures to continue to cool and typically takes place every 3 to 5 years (though it can sometimes occur successively).
Flickr/GD Taber

Related Stories

Get Lost At This Big And Beautiful Christmas Tree Farm In Colorado

Get Lost At This Big And Beautiful Christmas Tree Farm In Colorado

 Wait Until You See Why Camp Christmas Is Being Called The Best Holiday Event In Colorado

Wait Until You See Why Camp Christmas Is Being Called The Best Holiday Event In Colorado

 Live Out Your Favorite Christmas Story At Dickens: A Family Holiday Event In Colorado

Live Out Your Favorite Christmas Story At Dickens: A Family Holiday Event In Colorado
Because of these conditions, La Nina will create warmer than normal winters in the south and colder than normal winters in the north, as well as destructive storms in the spring and summer (a la tornadoes).
Flickr/NOAA Photo Library
Historically, the La Nina weather pattern has made for wet and snowy conditions in Colorado's northern mountains (think Steamboat Springs, pictured) with drier conditions in the south.
Flickr/Devin Stein
To learn more about the La Nina weather pattern as well as other upcoming predictions about Colorado, please visit the NOAA's website.
Flickr/Mark McClure

Do you have an event, attraction, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! Not ready to think about the cold winter? Then check out The Colorado River State Park Is The One-Of-A-Kind Campground In Colorado That You Must Visit Before Summer Ends.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses
Colorado, USA