Arizona finished this year’s monsoon with above-average precipitation in many parts of the state, following two years of below-average monsoon rain and mountain snowpack. Forecasters are now watching a strong El Niño pattern that could bring snow to the state’s high country this winter. In Flagstaff, soil remained saturated this week from weekend rainfall. Hydrologists say the moisture helps the state’s water supply and prepares the water system to retain more water this winter. Arizona has been in a long-term drought for decades, and the past few years have been especially dry, raising concerns about the state’s limited water supply. … Rain also saturates the soil, which increases the likelihood that runoff from high-country snow will refill the water supply. … [First Alert Meteorologist Pete] Mangione said Arizona’s high country typically sees more snow during an El Niño pattern.

Other El Niño news:

• Weather West: Blog: El Niño, already near/at record intensity, will further strengthen to historic level and likely bring major California & SW U.S. winter impacts
• Los Angeles Times: Record-breaking hurricane activity in Pacific Ocean is battering the California coast
• Ventura County Star (Calif.): Facing a super El Niño, these Ventura County spots may be vulnerable
• Voice of San Diego: The phenomenon that could blunt El Niño