In recent weeks, California communities experienced heavy rainfall after three dry years of La Niña. The precipitation eased drought conditions in some state regions, trading extremely dry conditions for flooding and mudslides.

The north-central Great Plains also received measurable precipitation in the form of snowfall. It is expected to help soil moisture but could also indicate more severe weather to come.

These conditions, taken together, might lead some to believe La Niña is on her way out. However, USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey doesn’t anticipate the weather pattern will usher in El Niño any time soon. Instead, he predicts a more neutral pattern for spring.

Read more about recent precipitation and the impact of La Niña.