“Typically for an El Niño year, you’ll expect wetter conditions and cooler conditions.” David Munyan, a meteorologist at The National Weather Service, says these conditions will most likely occur this winter across a large area. “So, we’re talking, the entire South Plains from anywhere from like eastern Mexico all the way into The Southeast United States.” This year’s El Niño boils down to the temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which are more than five degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal, highlighted by these darker red shadings. Warmer waters here typically bring moisture in the jet stream, a column of fast-moving air high up in the atmosphere that moves, typically, from west to east. “The jet stream brings, uh, storm systems. So, storm systems mean precipitation, rainfall, snow, whatever it may be in the wintertime, brings it further south across the southern United States.” Meteorologist Rick Hluchan compares this year’s El Niño to ones that we've seen in the past, which were wetter and cooler in West Texas. “2015-2016, and 1997-1998, those were years that we saw strong El Niños, very similar to what we’re going through right now and predicting the next few months.” This El Niño, according to Texas State Climatologist, Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, is unique. “We’ve never seen, uh, an El Niño historically with such a warm North Pacific Ocean, and that affects our weather too because upstream of us, usually, usually it has a weaker impact than El Niño itself, but it, but it’s sort of in the opposite direction.” Nielsen-Gammon mentions troubling news if not enough precipitation falls. “Then we’re in serious trouble because a short-term drought turns into a longer-term drought…and…as the drought goes on longer and longer, then, we see bigger and bigger impacts on, on water supplies.” Impacts, not only on water, but also, on plants. “It was kind of, depressing, to go to a pumpkin patch and not really have that many pumpkins.” Elisha Ramirez, a native of Odessa, ventured to a sparse pumpkin patch in Coyanosa back in early October. Later on that month, she witnessed beneficial rain before the end of the growing season. “I started to notice that our neighbor’s grass in the area was getting greener, versus, before we had all of that rain.” Rain, in part, from El Nino. “What we saw in late October, we’re expecting to continue into the winter months with the, uh, above-normal precipitation and cooler temperatures.” The Climate Prediction Center’s winter weather outlook is similar. Brad Pugh, a meteorologist who authorized the three-month drought outlook in early November, expects more improvement in The Basin drought. “Chances for above-average precipitation are closer to 40%.” Ramirez says, “Bring it. We’re, we’re waiting and we’re, ready for it.” The next outlook from The Climate Prediction Center will be issued this Thursday. For more information, visit yourbasin.com.

For more Permian Basin weather…check here on https://www.yourbasin.com/weather/forecast/. Unsettled weather to the east of West Texas has formed because of a high pressure system dissipating and as a result, Meteorologist Ryan DePhillips expects dusty westerly winds. Despite some morning clouds, more sunshine later in the day will be the result because of the thunderstorm activity forming to the east of The Basin as the moisture drifts to the east. Along with some reduced visibility because of the dust, plenty of afternoon sunshine will nonetheless warm things up into the high 50’s, 60’s, and lower 70’s. Then, cooler air will return by tomorrow as the storm system quickly moves to the east of the region with winds calming down.

The City of Kermit announced the selection of Mike Arismendez as the new City Manager on Tuesday.

The educational building is expected to be about 75,000 square feet and is meant to provide much more up to date facilities for students and staff.

An Odessa mom charged last year after officers with the Odessa Police Department said she left her young children in the car while she and her husband had dinner and drinks at a local restaurant is facing charges once again after an eight-year-old child turned up at school with injuries on Tuesday. Cassidy Nicole Belis has been charged with Injury to a Child, a third-degree felony.

There will be no escaping the winds but rather embracing them buy keeping two hands on the wheels, taking the necessary allergy medicines and making sure any loose objects are tied up well or stores somewhere secure.

The Permian Basin is known for many things: oil and gas production second to none in the world; workers with grit, determination, and a pull yourself up by the bootstrap mentality; wide, open spaces speckled with cattle and cowboys; Friday Night Lights and all things football; and especially, faith. A new movie, set to begin filming next week in parts of Midland and Greenwood, is all about capturing the things that make the Permian Basin so special.

Sayuri Neveah Martinez was just 11 years old when she was killed in a hit and run crash on February 7, 2020. Sayuri was on her way to school when three teens driving a stolen vehicle crashed into her mother’s car; and incident that left the family mourning the loss of their “vibrant” child.

In continuing the tradition of giving, Midland Police Department will be hosting their third annual ‘Blue Santa Toy Drive’ through December 14th.

The University of Texas Permian Basin and local author Tara Wilson are joining forces to involve kids in the industry that keeps West Texas, and the world, running- oil and gas production.

Odessa College will be hosting an OSHA Alliance signing and Safety Training Open House at the OC Safety Training Center, celebrating its approval into the OSHA Alliance Program.

Odessa Police Department is currently investigating two different crashes on Interstate 20, both involving 18-wheelers.

The Odessa Police Department is asking for help to identify a suspect accused of theft.