Returning climate pattern looks to bring warmer and drier conditions to the south and wetter conditions in the north, according to NOAA's latest forecast.

Drought relief likely in the Ohio River Valley and Great Lakes regions due to La Nina. Warmer and drier conditions are forecast for the southern U.S. Wetter conditions are expected across the North.

When La Niña is in effect, wetter than usual conditions are common in the Great Lakes region during winter. There is a 60% chance for a weak and short duration La Niña to emerge between September and November and persist into January to March, according to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center.