Warm West, Cold East Pattern Re-Emerges, Cuts Off California Snows

It’s a case of déjà vu all over again across the continental U.S.: While the eastern part of the country braces for a deep chill, the West is baking in record-breaking heat. That pattern was the dominant one over the last couple winters and exacerbated California’s tenacious drought. A strong El Niño finally disrupted that pattern this winter, helping to fuel storms that have brought much needed rain and snow to the parched state.