A strong El Niño Winter is coming to Norman, Oklahoma this year. Here is what to expect. 

“During the El Niño cool seasons we can expect generally cooler than normal and wetter than normal conditions,” said Oklahoma State Climatologist, Gary McManus. He also said that this year has the potential to be stronger than average.

Mesoscale Assistant/Fire Weather Forecaster, Andrew Lyons, said that for the past couple of years, Oklahoma has been in a La Niña winter, and those are typically warmer winters.

“We average about an inch more of snow every year with an El Niño compared to normal. So wetter and colder and then a little bit higher chance of more snow during the winter” said Lyons. 

Lyons also forecasts that this year, we are having the strongest El Niño winter since the late 1990’s.

“Especially during the January through February timeframe, we can possibly expect more winter precipitation in the form of snow or ice” said McManus.

Lyons said, to be prepared, to always have multiple ways to get weather information, whether that is in the form of the internet, TV, or radio. He also said to always be aware of the weather wherever you are. 

A representative from Norman Public Schools (NPS), said parents and students are notified by phone call or text, and they try their best to update on the NPS website, and the Norman North High School website.