Forecasters predict wet winter in California

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Weather forecasters predict a wet winter in California, but they say it won't be enough to end the state's extreme drought.

Models show an El Nino pattern forming in the Pacific Ocean with thunderstorms and cloud cover spotted in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, said Eric Boldt with the National Weather Service.

"Anytime you talk about El Nino that's a better chance for us to see rainfall across Southern California," Boldt said.

Boldt said it's a weak El Nino, which can be unpredictable. California could either get an extremely wet winter or an extremely dry winter.

"The strong El Nino has always given us above average rainfall, but this winter anything goes," Boldt said.

Even if there is a wetter than average winter, after several years of extreme drought, the rain likely won't help much, Los Angeles water officials said.

"It will take a whole lot of rain to make a difference to our water supply situation," said Marty Adams with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. "We are hopeful that we have a better year than the last couple of years, because we really, really need it."

LADWP officials say people need to be diligent and recommend homeowners turn off water sprinklers during the rain.

"It's also the opportunity for people to save money on their water bills," Adams said. "If they get rain, there is no reason to do outside irrigation.

Meteorologists caution that the wetter weather is only a prediction. The rainy season is still months away, and the El Nino pattern could change.

"Typically in Southern California, we only see about half a dozen storms every winter," Boldt said "If one or two of those storms weaken or miss us completely, that can have a big dent in our rainfall."