La Nina: Understanding the Climate Pattern and its Impacts
What is La Nina?
La Nina is the cool phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, a naturally occurring global climate pattern that involves changes in wind and ocean temperatures in the Pacific and can cause extreme weather across the planet.
Forecast for 2021-2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center says there is a 60% chance that a weak La Nina event will develop this autumn and could last until March.
General Trends and Impacts
Although there is no guarantee how this La Nina will play out, there are some general trends. Experts say northern parts of South America could see more rain than usual. Southern regions of the U.S. and parts of Mexico could be drier than average. The northern tier of the U.S. and southern Canada could be wetter than average.
La Nina’s Effects on the Weather
La Nina’s influence on the weather varies based on location and the season. In the U.S., the Northeast and Ohio Valley typically see wetter than normal conditions with an active storm track due to the position of the jet stream. The waviness of the jet stream can also cause more frequent cold outbreaks, particularly in the central and southern U.S.
La Nina, El Nino, and Climate Change
Scientists say the link between climate change and La Nina and El Nino is not entirely clear. Computer models tend to indicate more frequent El Ninos and less frequent La Ninas, but not all models agree.
Conclusion
La Nina is a complex and dynamic climate pattern that can have significant impacts on global weather patterns. While scientists are aware of the general trends and effects, the exact outcome of this year’s La Nina event is still uncertain. Understanding the relationship between La Nina, El Nino, and climate change is an ongoing area of research, and further study is needed to better understand the connections between these phenomena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is La Nina?
A: La Nina is the cool phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, a naturally occurring global climate pattern that involves changes in wind and ocean temperatures in the Pacific and can cause extreme weather across the planet.
Q: What are the general trends for this year’s La Nina event?
A: Northern parts of South America could see more rain than usual, while southern regions of the U.S. and parts of Mexico could be drier than average. The northern tier of the U.S. and southern Canada could be wetter than average.
Q: How does La Nina affect the weather in the U.S.?
A: The Northeast and Ohio Valley typically see wetter than normal conditions with an active storm track due to the position of the jet stream. The waviness of the jet stream can also cause more frequent cold outbreaks, particularly in the central and southern U.S.
Q: What is the link between La Nina, El Nino, and climate change?
A: Scientists say the link between climate change and La Nina and El Nino is not entirely clear, and computer models tend to indicate more frequent El Ninos and less frequent La Ninas, but not all models agree.
