DES MOINES, Iowa — This winter has brought historically low snow totals — less than five inches have been picked up all season. That could change soon.

This winter has been in what’s known as a La Niña pattern. Normally, trade winds along the equator in the eastern Pacific push warm water to the west. When this pattern strengthens, even more warm water is pushed west, causing the water in the equatorial Pacific along South America to grow even colder. High pressure develops in this area.

A La Niña pattern can cause the jet stream to move farther north, causing warm and dry conditions in the southern United States. Colder and more active weather may be found farther north and west, such as in the Great Lakes region and Appalachia along with the west coast. However, the effects of La Niña can vary greatly depending on its strength.

In general, there isn’t a large correlation in impacts from La Niña in central Iowa, especially with temperatures. And this winter so far has brought fairly average temperatures as a whole.

Historically, precipitation has varied in central Iowa depending on the strength of La Niña. A moderate La Niña can result in a winter with less precipitation. Weak La Niñas have been connected to greater than normal amounts of snow, while strong La Niñas have brought less snow.

These aren’t hard and fast rules, however. This winter season has been taking place during a “weak” La Niña, and it has resulted in historically low snowfall amounts. But could that soon change?

A quick-moving weather system will bring the potential for light snow to northern Iowa this weekend. Next week will also bring several more snow chances to different parts of the state. These snow chances will also arrive along with colder air, which can be drier. So the forecast will change by next week, but this is one of the strongest signals we’ve seen all season for more snow and active weather.

So we may finally be feeling the effects of La Niña this winter after all. Stay tuned!