Meteorologists: ‘Darth Niño’ ties 1997 record for strength

WASHINGTON — Meteorologists say the current El Niño has tied the 1997 El Niño for the strongest recorded.

Mike Halpert, deputy director of the federal Climate Prediction Center, said initial figures for October, November and December match the same time period in 1997 for the strongest El Niño.

Meteorologists measure ElNiño based on how warm parts of the central Pacific get for three consecutive months. Records go back to 1950.

ElNiño is the natural warming of the central Pacific that changes weather worldwide, including bringing more rain to California.

Halpert said what matters most is what El Ni?o does in January, when its impact peaks.

Weather Underground meteorology director Jeff Masters said ” ‘Darth Ni?o’ may finally have California in its sights,” as a series of storms may dent the state’s record drought.