La Niña has returned for a second consecutive go-around this autumn and winter, and it could have a noticeable influence on seasonal weather patterns.

A weak La Niña is expected to remain in place through the winter season, which could play a role in how our winter will shape out in SE Minnesota and North Iowa.

“La Niña often, but not always, leads to higher odds of drier conditions in the southern part of the state,” said Michelle L’Heureux, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Climate Predi...