Title: El Nino heads north: how tropical weather impacts the Arctic

Summary:

El Nino, a weather pattern characterized by the warming of the Pacific Ocean's surface, is affecting the Arctic, leading to warmer and drier conditions. The World Meteorological Organization declared the onset of El Nino in July, and its effects have been felt in the North, with three Northern communities experiencing their warmest falls on record. Old Crow, Yukon; Inuvik, N.W.T.; and Cambridge Bay in Nunavut have been particularly affected, with many other communities also experiencing above-average temperatures.

The warmer weather has posed challenges for local hunters and trappers like Earl Evans from Fort Smith, as unfrozen lakes and rivers delay travel and hunting activities. Additionally, wildlife has been impacted, with animals struggling to access food due to icy ground conditions.

Meteorologists predict that the first part of the winter will be warmer and drier than usual due to El Nino, although the second half of the season remains unpredictable. Weather models struggle to forecast the latter part of winter, which could bring novel weather patterns and challenges, including the possibility of ice storms and temperature swings.

El Nino is expected to influence weather patterns into the spring, potentially increasing the risk of droughts or floods depending on the region. Experts advise communities and municipalities to prepare for intense storms and to plan for mitigating risks such as wildfires and droughts in the longer term.