Developing La Nina will lead to gusty, dry fall weather in southern Colorado

A weak La Nina is developing in the Pacific Ocean, bringing cooler-than-average water temperatures to parts of the Pacific that could influence Colorado's weather patterns in the coming months.

La Nina impacts Colorado's weather differently from fall to winter, creating varying conditions across the state's diverse geography.

During winter months, La Ninas usually produce above-average temperatures over the plains but not in the mountains. For precipitation in winter, the pattern becomes more complicated.

In general, La Ninas tend to favor above-average mountain moisture in December and January with normal precipitation over the plains.

In the fall, active La Ninas produce gusty winds and dry air which can lead to high fire danger. Thankfully this year, Colorado had relatively consiste