A strengthening El Nio could lead to a dismal winter for many who have already broken out their sweaters and boots in anticipation .
The newest forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate an increased likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures .
That is especially true in western Oregon and Washington, including areas of Maine.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, a wetter-than-average winter is expected in the South and along much of the Atlantic coast into southern New England.
Precipitation deficits may be more likely in the Pacific Northwest, the Mountain West, and the Great Lakes.
According to Berkeley Earth's principal scientist Robert Rohde, "El Nio is here and still growing stronger."
Berkeley Earth is an independent non-profit whose concentration is on climate study.
Warmer water is pushed eastward toward South America as a result of a natural climate pattern in which trade winds weaken over the tropical Pacific Ocean.
It is more difficult to forecast what may happen in the months ahead due to El Nio and the continuous abnormally warm temperatures .
It is more difficult to forecast what may happen in the months ahead due to El Nio and the continuous abnormally warm temperatures .