After a four-year hiatus, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center predicts robust El Niño conditions this fall, which will last into March 2024. It will affect winter in the Greater Seattle area, Puget Sound, and beyond, which may affect your yard, plants, and trees. Read on to learn more about the weather effects of El Niño and how best to protect trees during winter in the greater Seattle area.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a part of the naturally occurring climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation or ENSO. El Niño is defined by warmer sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator and affects weather worldwide. El Niño occurs when the trade winds blowing east to west over the Pacific Ocean weaken or reverse direction along the equator, which lets warm water build up in the eastern Pacific. Warmer water temperatures lead to a shift in an intensified jet stream, affecting weather patterns throughout North America, including the Greater Seattle area.
El Niño is not an annual occurrence. It happens every two to seven years, and when it occurs, it can last anywhere from a few months to a year. It habitually peaks in December. La Niña is the other part of ENSO, characterized by cooler water that, in turn, affects weather.
El Niño’s Effects in Washington State
Washington state, part of the Northwestern United States, typically experiences warmer, dryer winters due to El Niño. The warmer, dryer weather leads to decreased runoff and summer water availability, which can lead to drought and wildfires. During El Niño there are also larger waves, warmer water, and higher sea levels, which can affect Washington’s coast and lead to:
- Increased shoreline erosion
- Changes to marine productivity
How to Prepare for El Niño 2023
When preparing for El Niño this season, remember that its effects may be minimal, and other weather patterns and factors may occur that counter El Niño’s effects. However, in places like Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, and Burien, it is always best to be prepared for adverse weather conditions.
Prep Your Home & Property
First, prepare your home and property for storms and dry spells. Due to the warmer temperatures, El Niño typically brings less snow than rain. Prepare your property for excess water by clearing debris from spouts, storm drains, and runoff areas. You can also prepare for El Niño by doing the following:
- Adjust your automatic watering system
- Mulch and enforce areas prone to erosion
- Repair cracks in buildings, asphalt, and concrete
- Evaluate your trees for dead or dying branches that could pose a hazard in a storm
- Consider purchasing a rain barrel
Plant Storm-Resistant Trees & Shrubs
Tree care in El Niño is similar to other times. First, ensure your trees and plants get sufficient water and are not over-watered. Second, plant resilient tree species on your property, leading to year-round healthy grounds. Trees and shrubs that are regional to the Greater Seattle area and drought-resistant will fare better during a warm, dry winter and possible drought in the summer. A hardy ground cover also decreases the chance of erosion and water runoff.
Lastly, regularly prune trees to prevent damage and promote healthy tree growth. Pruning
reduces weight on branches that may otherwise break in a storm or heavy snowfall. Pruning also removes weak or broken limbs and reduces the likelihood of tree diseases.
Trust Pacific Arboriculture for Your Tree & Plant Needs
Pacific Arboriculture provides quality tree care in Seattle and the surrounding cities. Our experienced and certified arborists can provide valuable recommendations for your yard, including what to plant and how best to prepare your trees for El Niño this year. We also offer quality, insured pruning, and tree removal services. Contact Pacific Arboriculture today for more information and to get a free quote.