Having lived in LA for a long time, there's one thing that always worries me as winter approaches: rain.

It can go from no rain at all to flooding the roads after just one storm, causing mudslides and accidents everywhere.

Weather forecasts in Korea are also indicating that we need to prepare for a strong El Niño.

If El Niño strengthens, we could see significant changes in winter weather not just in Korea but also in the U.S.

El Niño is a phenomenon where the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual.

It's not just about warmer ocean water; it affects atmospheric circulation and jet streams, altering weather patterns around the world.

In particular, the impact varies significantly across different regions of the U.S.

When a strong El Niño occurs, the storm paths that cross the southern U.S. become more active, increasing the likelihood of above-average rainfall in Southern California.

The issue is not just how much rain falls but how concentrated it is over a short period.

LA has many areas where mountains are close to residential neighborhoods. If heavy rain falls on slopes that have experienced wildfires, the risk of mudslides increases.

Central U.S. May Experience Different Snow and Cold Patterns

The central region is a bit more complicated.

When El Niño occurs, parts of the northern plains and the Midwest tend to experience milder winters than usual.

However, this doesn't mean there will be less snow or no cold snaps.

Depending on the position of the jet stream, sudden strong winter storms can occur, and temperatures can drop significantly within a day.

In cities like Chicago, where winters are harsh, even a slight increase in average temperatures can lead to transportation and flight disruptions due to heavy snowfall.

Southern U.S. Likely to See Increased Rainfall

The southern region, stretching from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into Florida, also requires caution.

During a strong El Niño winter, the southern U.S. tends to be more humid and cooler than usual.

In particular, the Gulf Coast may face issues with low-pressure systems, heavy rain, and thunderstorms.

Texas is vast, so the weather can differ between the west and east, but increased winter precipitation raises concerns about road flooding and traffic accidents.

Many areas in the South are not accustomed to winter storms, so sudden icing can cause significant disruptions to daily life.

Eastern U.S. Shows Differences Between North and South

The eastern U.S. is also difficult to generalize.

In the Northeast, including New York and Boston, just because El Niño occurs doesn't mean there will be heavy snowfall.

Depending on the storm's path and temperatures, rain may fall instead of snow, or conversely, significant snowfall may occur if strong coastal low-pressure systems develop.

In contrast, the Southeast, including Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida, tends to see a more pronounced increase in precipitation.

Ultimately, it's not a simple matter of the entire U.S. warming up or all regions experiencing heavy rain.

Korea Must Also Prepare for Changes in Winter Weather

Korea can also be affected by El Niño.

If warm, moist air flows in, winter temperatures and precipitation may be higher than usual, but that doesn't mean cold snaps will disappear.

Cold air from Siberia can temporarily descend, bringing strong cold spells, and the interaction between warm and cold air can lead to heavy snowfall.

What worries me is precisely this kind of extreme weather change.

Even if the winter is generally warm, a few days of heavy rain or cold can cause much greater damage to people's lives.

It's Best to Prepare in Advance This Winter

According to the winter outlook released by the NOAA on October 15, my concerns are not just unfounded.

From December 2026 to February 2027, the northern U.S. is expected to be warmer than usual, while the southern and eastern regions are likely to see increased rainfall.

In particular, this El Niño is projected to develop to one of the strongest levels on record.

Of course, seasonal forecasts do not provide exact dates for heavy rain or snowfall. Just because El Niño is strong doesn't mean disasters will occur in every region.

Still, living in LA, I can't take winter lightly.

I'll check the drains around my house and avoid driving on mountain roads when heavy rain is expected. I'm also planning to inspect my car's tires and wipers in advance.

Usually, I think Southern California is a great place to live with its nice weather. But when it comes to natural disasters, California is not an exception.

Korea is also preparing for this winter, so I think we should start getting ready a bit earlier too.

I hope this winter passes without significant damage.