At the 2024 CattleCon held in Orlando, Florida, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays talked about an update on current weather conditions with Atmospheric Scientist Matt Makens with Makens Weather.
Just as many producers have finally breathed a sigh of relief with the arrival of El Niño bringing in some much-needed moisture, Makens says El Niño is already on its way out the door. Makens said it is normal to see weather events like El Niño peak in the winter, but unfortunately, this spell of moisture will not be enough to prepare for the years of La Niña in the forecast.
“In this case, La Niña is going to come racing back at us,” Makens said. “Our window of moisture here is pretty limited with this current El Niño, which is on the way out.”
The last La Niña was three years long, Makens said, which has only happened a few times since 1950. Makens predicts this next La Niña to be just as lengthy.
“Since 1998, La Niña is far more frequent, stronger, and lasts longer,” Makens said.
As we enter this next La Niña, Makens said there is a chance it may stay for two or three years.
“I am optimistic through April to get these frequent storms coming in,” Makens said. “Once we hit May, June, and July, I think we see that precipitation pattern shift North quickly and stay to the North…”
Makens said the first signs of La Niña will be observed in Texas, particularly at the beginning of the summer months.
“We are going to see, maybe not a hot summer, but that will come later on,” Makens said.
The transition from El Niño to La Niña already appears to be taking place quickly, Makens said, as he expects a full transition by summer.
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