KMBC 9 explains that the biggest weather influence is often felt in winter. Historically, Super El Niño years are associated with higher chances of warmer-than-normal conditions and above-normal precipitation for the Midwest and Kansas City. That does not rule out Arctic outbreaks or major snowstorms, but it means the odds tend to tilt toward overall warmer and wetter outcomes (rain, ice, or snow) compared with other ENSO phases.
The article also points to measurable Midwest winter examples. Kansas City averages about 18–19 inches of snow annually, while the winter of 1982–1983 brought 23.4 inches, 1997–1998 brought 19.6 inches, and 2015–2016 brought 5.9 inches. The type of precipitation has varied, influenced by temperature patterns across the region.
Even with ENSO signals, forecasters can still face “curveballs” that shift temperatures and precipitation in unexpected directions, sometimes close to the season itself.