Why I have always been interested in weather forecasting.
There is an advantage to preparing for the future when you know the weather. Travel, vacations, gardening and planting, and even planning an event are things I consider. Since I have been growing and preserving food for most of my life, knowing what to expect is important. We can and preserve enough food to last us through the winter and spring (Nov-May). We have some extra for friends and family. Based on food recalls and the cost of groceries continuing to skyrocket, we are doubling our canning goals. I have plenty of jars, leak-proof lids and lids and rings, and all my canning tools- jar lifter, headspace tool, paring knives, and magnetic lid lifter. I have extra rolls of laminated paper to keep my counters clean while canning, and extra aprons for everyone brave enough to can with me. I am very strict. I expect to be canning through the second week of December- jardineria, applesauce, and hearty soups. All my canning jars and accessories are purchased from Two Lumps of Sugar, many featured for sale on Dave's Discovery Den.
The weather affects the fresh fruits and vegetables coming from the West Coast (predicted to be a record-shattering rainy season in California and the Pacific Northwest). For the snowbirds flocking to Florida, it will be cooler, wetter, and stormier. Winter will bring more heavy downpours, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods. (Florida)
What do you know about El Niño and La Niña?
No doubt everyone has heard about El Niño and La Niña. Many people are confused; I decided to help make the difference clear. El Niño is the warm phase with weaker tradewinds and warmer Pacific waters, while La Niña is the cold phase with stronger trade winds and cooler ocean temperatures.
El Niño waters are warmer than average in the central and easter pacific
La Niña - waters are cooler than normal.
Both cycles shift every 2-7 years. El Niño lasts 9-12 months, while La Niña can last for 2-3 years.
In the US, during the El Niño cycle, there are wetter and stormier conditions across the southern usa and California.
In the US, during La Niña, there are drier and warmer conditions in the southern part of the US. For the pacific northwest and Northern US, there are cooler and wetter winters. In the Atlantic, there are more hurricanes that are more severe.
In 2026, we are in an El Niño, and it is forecasted to persist until the end of the year.
This year, El Niño is forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be a strong- potentially -SUPER- El Niño event (record-shattering) lasting till spring 2027.
I am getting ready to hunker down, work on my book series, and eat well.
Any questions about canning or preserves- please let me know.