Grocery Prices Could Surge Again Soon … And You Can Blame The Weather

Just when inflation was starting to fall and supermarket shoppers were seeing some relief, experts say that another factor on the horizon could keep the cost of food elevated for months to come.

Another El Nino

There’s a common term that meteorologists like to repeat, but if you’re not tuned into the such phenomena, you might not know what your local weatherman is really describing when he or she warns of an approaching “El Nino.”

In its most basic terms, this event signals an abrupt shift in ocean temperatures that can seriously impact the weather (particularly rainfall totals) across vast land areas.

Not only does this translate to the possibility of inclement weather, but a strong El Nino can also affect the yield of crops on farms throughout the United States and around the world.

The big picture

With an El Nino expected to begin within the next few months and stretch on until autumn, experts are advising consumers to be prepared for some volatile weather.

Virginia Tech professor Zachary Easton studies such things and advised that the Central Plains region could be significantly drier and warmer than usual. Since much of the nation’s agriculture comes from this area, there might be a big impact to our food supply.

A familiar story

As with previous El Nino events, the aftermath might be felt well into winter with those living in Central Plains states experiencing a particularly warm season. Kansas is already seeing its weakest output of winter wheat production in two decades, so any further disruption would send prices even higher.

It’s worth noting, though, that these productions are just speculative. There’s always a chance that there won’t be an El Nino — or that it won’t be as serious as some experts fear.

Chris Agee May 3rd, 2023

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