EL NINO

Winter does impact the Sunshine State and while it may not be with ice and snow, it is with storms and drought.

On Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, U.S. weather officials said Earth in July was the hottest month ever recorded. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File) (Noah Berger)Earth sizzled in July and became the hottest month in 142 years of recordkeeping, U.S. weather officials announced. Last month was 1.67 degrees (0.93 degrees Celsius) warmer than the 20th century average for the month. July is the hottest month of the year for the globe, so this is also the hottest month on record. While the world set a record in July, the United States only tied for its 13th hottest July on record.

U.S. weather officials say Earth in July was the hottest month ever recorded.

In addition to those large-scale features, another large plume of Saharan dust is trekking across the Atlantic.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officially declared that La Nina conditions are present. La Nina typically favors an active Atlantic basin during hurricane season, much like we’re seeing now. It had grown increasingly likely over the past few months that La Nina conditions would be around during the peak of hurricane season. This was one of the main factors in the much above average forecasts leading up to and during the current hurricane season. To be classified as a La Nina, sea surface temperature anomalies must greater than or equal to -0.5 degrees celsius.

Colorado State University releases its 2020 hurricane season forecast. Colorado State Universitys early-season prediction is calling for 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Seasonal #hurricane forecast from @ColoradoStateU calls for above-average season: 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes & 4 major (Cat 3+) hurricanes. There is also a 45 percent probability that Florida and the east coast could get hit by a major hurricane. Harvey was the first major hurricane to hit the continental U.S. since 2005's Hurricane Wilma.

Colorado State University releases its 2020 hurricane season forecast. Colorado State Universitys early-season prediction is calling for 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Seasonal #hurricane forecast from @ColoradoStateU calls for above-average season: 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes & 4 major (Cat 3+) hurricanes. There is also a 45 percent probability that Florida and the east coast could get hit by a major hurricane. Harvey was the first major hurricane to hit the continental U.S. since 2005's Hurricane Wilma.

Colorado State University releases its 2020 hurricane season forecast. Colorado State Universitys early-season prediction is calling for 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Seasonal #hurricane forecast from @ColoradoStateU calls for above-average season: 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes & 4 major (Cat 3+) hurricanes. There is also a 45 percent probability that Florida and the east coast could get hit by a major hurricane. Harvey was the first major hurricane to hit the continental U.S. since 2005's Hurricane Wilma.

The 2019 hurricane season was the fourth consecutive season with above normal storm activity. With early signs pointing to no El Nio this year, we may see the trend continue. The two patterns, both recurring phases of the El Nio -Southern Oscillation cycle, are more accommodating to Atlantic tropical cyclones than the cutting western gales that shred hurricanes during an El Nio event. NOAA hurricane forecast update: With death of El Nio, expect a more active storm seasonFebruary forecast models were leaning against an El Nio for the 2020 hurricane season. Still, having an El Nio or La Nia can skew the season to be under or overachieving.

The 2019 hurricane season was the fourth consecutive season with above normal storm activity. With early signs pointing to no El Nio this year, we may see the trend continue. The two patterns, both recurring phases of the El Nio -Southern Oscillation cycle, are more accommodating to Atlantic tropical cyclones than the cutting western gales that shred hurricanes during an El Nio event. NOAA hurricane forecast update: With death of El Nio, expect a more active storm seasonFebruary forecast models were leaning against an El Nio for the 2020 hurricane season. Still, having an El Nio or La Nia can skew the season to be under or overachieving.

The 2019 hurricane season was the fourth consecutive season with above normal storm activity. With early signs pointing to no El Nio this year, we may see the trend continue. The two patterns, both recurring phases of the El Nio -Southern Oscillation cycle, are more accommodating to Atlantic tropical cyclones than the cutting western gales that shred hurricanes during an El Nio event. NOAA hurricane forecast update: With death of El Nio, expect a more active storm seasonFebruary forecast models were leaning against an El Nio for the 2020 hurricane season. Still, having an El Nio or La Nia can skew the season to be under or overachieving.

Researchers on Wednesday confirmed that 2019 was the second-hottest year ever, capping off the hottest decade in recorded history as the world continues to grapple with climate change. They found that global average surface temperatures in 2019 were almost 1 degree Celsius higher than the average from 1951 to 1980. "Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fueled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a statement. Nations in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change vowed to cap emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels but are not on track to meet that goal. In fact, the United Nations' scientific panel on climate change has warned that temperature over land is warming at twice the speed of the global average and has already risen above the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark.

The El Nino drought that lasted between last October and May has devastated water sources in Zimbabwe, and citizens are bearing the brunt of the disaster. (CNN) - A severe drought that has drained water sources in Zimbabwe's largest national park has left 55 elephants dead since September, a spokesman for the country's wildlife agency said on Monday. Some of the animals died while searching for water at the Hwange National Park. The El-Nino drought that lasted between last October and May has devastated water sources in Zimbabwe, and citizens are bearing the brunt of the disaster. Chisaira said mining operations in Hwange have contaminated water sources and affected grazing lands, leaving the animals with no choice but to fend for themselves.

ORLANDO, Fla. - As we enter peak hurricane season, NOAA has updated its preseason forceast that was issued in May. Part of the reason for the increased forecast is that the El Nino factor the season began with has ended. El Nino is the periodic warming of parts of the Pacific that affects weather worldwide and dampens storm activity. El Nino typically suppresses the Atlantic season with increased wind shear across the basin. Peak hurricane season occurs in the middle of September.

ORLANDO, Fla.- - As we enter peak hurricane season, NOAA updates the preseason forcast issued in May. This update from NOAA is significant because there is now a 45% chance for an above normal season. El Nino typically suppresses the Atlantic season with increased wind shear across the basin. With El Nino's conclusion, wind shear in the tropical Atlantic is weakening. Peak hurricane season occurs in the middle of September.

Government meteorologists say this year's hurricane season may be busier than initially expected now that summer's weak El Nino has faded away. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 's Climate Prediction Center said Thursday the Atlantic season looks more active than normal as peak hurricane season begins. Forecasters now expect 10 to 17 named storms, with five to nine hurricanes and two to four major ones. Forecaster Gerry Bell says the end of El Nino means more hospitable hurricane conditions. El Nino is the periodic warming of parts of the Pacific that affects weather worldwide and dampens storm activity.

Federal forecasters say El Nino has ended and won't be there to prevent hurricanes from forming. Without El Nino winds to help tear hurricanes apart as they form, the chances for a busier than normal hurricane season are going up, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated in an updated seasonal outlook. El Nino typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity but now that its gone, we could see a busier season ahead, stated Gerry Bell, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAAs Climate Prediction Center. Two named storms already have formed this season and most of the peak of the season, which runs from August to October, is still ahead. The average hurricane season, which ends November 30, produces 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

Colorado State University tropical meteorology forecasters expect rest of hurricane season to be near average. Lingering winds from a weakening El Nino and near-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean should combine to produce a near-average hurricane season for the remainder of this year, forecasters at Colorado State University said Monday. The average over the past 30 years is 12.1 named storms, 6.4 hurricanes and 2.7 major hurricanes. Sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic are near average, they said. The seasonal forecast, pioneered by the late Bill Gray, looks at historical data including sea surface temperatures, wind speed and sea level pressures.

For Central Florida, the upgrade in possible tropical development doesn't change the forecast much. Jul 22 2PM Tropical Update: A disturbance west of the Bahamas currently has a 60% chance of development in next 5 days. Whether a shift in the El Nino forecast announced last week changes that remains to be seen. This may impact the number of tropical storms or hurricanes. El Nino causes strong upper level winds that can prevent tropical development@wdsupic.twitter.com/vOf2olkqZZ Margaret Orr (@MargaretOrr)July 14, 2019News-Journal writer C. A. Bridges contributed to this article.

A weak tropical wave east of Florida could become a tropical depression overnight Monday or early Tuesday, but its window of opportunity is short. Only a slight increase in organization could make the wave near Andros Island in the Bahamas a tropical depression. However, strong upper level winds over Florida are forecast to limit the development of the wave as it moves northwest at 15 mph. Whether a shift in the El Nino forecast announced last week changes that remains to be seen. El Nino causes strong upper level winds that can prevent tropical development@wdsupic.twitter.com/vOf2olkqZZ Margaret Orr (@MargaretOrr)July 14, 2019News-Journal writer C. A. Bridges contributed to this article.

A tropical wave over the Bahamas became organized enough to become a tropical depression off Florida's east coast on Monday afternoon, but the National Hurricane Center expects the center of the system to remain offshore and below tropical storm strength. However, the interaction of the depression and the approaching front make for a rainy forecast, with 70 percent chances of rain daily through Friday. Whether a shift in the El Nino forecast announced last week changes that remains to be seen. That means the storm killing wind shear El Nio provides would be weakening just as peak hurricane season ramps up. El Nino causes strong upper level winds that can prevent tropical development@wdsupic.twitter.com/vOf2olkqZZ Margaret Orr (@MargaretOrr)July 14, 2019News-Journal writers Dinah Voyles Pulver and C. A. Bridges contributed to this article.

El Nino is back with a vengeance in California, where a series of storms are bringing a tremendous amount of rain to the drought-stricken state. Meteorologist Jeff Jamison of CBS Dallas station KTVT has a look at just how much rain the state can expect.

El Nino waves are taking a human toll, but the crumbling hillsides of San Francisco are providing scientists with a goldmine of information. Carter Evans reports with more.

As El Nino hits California's mountains, Southern California is bracing itself for a series of storms. These storms are both a blessing and a curse for the region, which has been suffering through a long drought. Ben Tracy explains what residents can expect.

Four El Nino-fueled storms are forecast for California, giving much needed relief to the drought-stricken state. Carter Evans reports the impact of El Nino is already being felt around the world.

While temperatures in California are in the mid 80s, meteorologists are looking towards winter, when the region could face an historic El Nino. CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reports with more.

The Pacific is warmer than ever thanks in part to a growing El Nino. As Ben Tracy shows, unusual marine life is popping up near the shores of California.

The U.N. says that a combination of global warming and a strong El Nino have contributed to making 2015 the warmest year since the 600s. CBSN's Contessa Brewer has more on the climate trends.

"El Nino," a warming of Pacific Ocean waters, has many people nervous out West. Ben Tracy reports on how homeowners in southern California are preparing for what's expected to be a cold, wet, and potentially dangerous winter.

Meteorologists are predicting one of the most powerful El Nino patterns ever. It will bring more rain to the West Coast, but will it be enough to ease the drought? CBS News' Danielle Nottingham reports.

Forecasters say strong storms fueled by the phenomenon called El Nino could become more frequent in California. As CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reports, that's both good news and bad news.

Forecasters say strong storms fueled by the phenomenon called El Nino could become more frequent in California; and a new Broadway show tells the inspiring true story behind the famous hymn, "Amazing Grace."

After four years of drought, California is in great need of water. As Ben Tracy reports, the El Nino forming in the Pacific could provide relief.

Could El Nino end California's drought? With a reputation for severe wet weather, the phenomenon known as El Nino raises hopes that shrinking reservoirs in California will fill this winter. John Blackstone reports.