Massive El Nino likely means mild Sask. winter

This year’s El Nino weather system near the equator is so big that experts have taken to giving it nicknames.

Some have called it Godzilla, others have referred to it as Bruce Lee.

While he doesn’t have a hyperbolic nickname of his own to bestow on the system, Environment Canada chief meteorologist David Phillips agreed that it’s one of the largest ever seen.

“We’ve had, in 65 years, maybe six super El Nino’s, big ones. This one, as we stand right now is probably the biggest,” he said.

Phillips said that one’s view of El Nino really depends on where you live. The system can mean heat and drought for some areas. For others, like drought-ravaged California, El Nino can mean heavier than average rain.

For the Prairies, Phillips said the ‘super El Nino’ means there’s reason for optimism as winter draws nearer.

“In Saskatoon, for example, we’ve had six of these suckers since the 1950’s. Five of those winters were warmer than normal. One was colder,” he said.

blevy@rawlco.com

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