By MEGHAN HERBST | Moonshine Ink
A high hum of hope buzzes in Tahoe as weathermen predict the likelihood of a Godzilla-strength El Niño this winter. But another atmospheric phenomenon plays the role of a powerful adversary — “The Blob.” A giant patch of remarkably warm water parked in the Northeastern Pacific, The Blob’s existence has been credited with spawning the high-pressure ridge off California that kept Pacific storms from moving onshore the past two winters. A meteorological superhero showdown? It remains to be seen how El Niño will interact with these forces, and seeing a legitimate winter depends on the outcome of the battle royal. Still, many scientists are sticking with the prediction of above average precipitation.
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