A recent update by the NOAA stated that La Niña conditions have officially developed and may continue through early 2018. Early predictions forecasted strong conditions, but scientists are now saying this year’s La Niña will be weak. This is the second consecutive year in the U.S. with weak La Niña conditions.

What is La Niña?

La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when sea surface temperatures near the equator in the Pacific Ocean drop to unusually cold temperatures. It is the direct opposite of El Niño, which is when the sea surface temperatures are warmer. These alternating water temperatures affect the jet stream which leads to different weather patterns across North America. La Niña conditions typically develop in late fall, early winter, and vary from year to year.

What does this mean for the U.S.?

Typically, a La Niña winter brings more rain to the Pacific Northwest, warmer and drier conditions to the Southern regions of the U.S., and cold and snow to the Northwest areas. But with weak La Niña conditions predicted, one half of the country may only see a few extra inches of snow, and the other may experience a warmer holiday season.

What weather are you looking forward to this winter?