It looks like an El Nino is in the process of developing. Strictly speaking, El Nino is an equatorial Pacific Ocean phenomenon. But changes in the tropical Pacific can indirectly affect atmospheric patterns elsewhere, including at our latitude. This happens because the changes that come with an El Nino perturb the jet stream, the high-altitude channel of fast winds that controls the strength and movement of midlatitude storms.

El Nino related affects in the United States vary from place to place. They tend to be more noticeable in southern and western states, such as Florida and California. Generally speaking, El Nino's affects in this area are small, and most noticeable in the winter when the jet stream is typically strongest.

So what about any potential effects this coming summer? Well, there is a relationship between El Nino and Atlantic hurricanes. There tend to be fewer during an El Nino, so it wouldn't surprise me if we have a below-average hurricane season - the first in five years.