Everyone is talking about El Niño—but what does it actually mean for Oklahoma?

State Climatologist Gary McManus of the Oklahoma Climate Survey and the Oklahoma Mesonet joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast to separate myth from reality. He explains why El Niño isn't expected to have much impact on this summer, why the bigger story comes later this year, and what it could mean for drought, winter weather, hurricane season and even tornadoes.

Ryan and Gary also discuss:

• Why El Niño is primarily a fall and winter phenomenon

• What forecasters are watching as El Niño strengthens

• How Oklahoma's drought affects summer heat

• Why Atlantic hurricane activity could decrease

• What made Oklahoma's 2026 tornado season so unusual

• The difference between meteorology and climatology

• How the Oklahoma Mesonet helps monitor weather across the state