El Niño is back, and it might be strong this winter (71% chance, says NOAA).
El Niño means warmer Pacific waters, messing with global weather.
In El Niño years, southern U.S. gets wet, while the northwest gets dry.
Northern California? It's in the middle—neither super wet nor super dry.
Past El Niños brought different results, some very rainy, others not so much.
Weak El Niño in 2018-2019 didn't do anything special.
Last winter brought extra rain and snow, not due to El Niño or La Niña.
Atmospheric rivers depend on regular weather patterns, not El Niño strength.
Always be prepared for wild winter weather and possible flooding in California, El Niño or not. CBS Sacramento's First Alert weather team has you covered.