Weather watchers keeping an eye on El Nino trends

AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- One major climate driver has faded away and weather watchers are waiting to see what develops next.

Dennis Todey heads up the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa.

Todey says they expect an El Nino to be in control by late summer.

An El Nino occurs when Pacific Ocean surface temperatures rise above normal and can lead to warmer than normal winters across North America.

Todey says they don’t see much influence on longer range outlooks right now.

The ninety day outlooks now call for near normal temperatures and precipitation for the northern plains.