Relief from the drought that has plagued far western Nebraska could be on the way.

A developing La Nina weather pattern could cause cool weather in western Nebraska this winter and spring, along with something the Panhandle hasn’t seen enough of the last few years: precipitation.

That’s according to state climatologist Al Dutcher in his report to the state’s Climate Assessment Response Committee.

Phase-in periods like the one now between neutral weather patterns and a La Nina have often produced wet, cool weather in Nebraska’s west. Conversely, the change could mean a drier period for the eastern half of the state.

Dutcher says the conditions are far from certain but he has confidence they will play out in western Nebraska.