La Niña, the cooler counterpart to El Niño that can shift weather patterns around the globe, has officially returned, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Meteorologists say this occurrence could influence worldwide weather, though early signs suggest it may be both weak and short-lived.
What Is La Niña?
La Niña occurs when sea surface temperatures in parts of the central Pacific Ocean cool by at least half a degree Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) below average. This cooling changes atmospheric circulation, altering weather patterns across multiple continents.
The world had been approaching La Niña conditions for months, and NOAA confirmed Thursday that they have now formed. However, forecasts from NOAA and Columbia University suggest the event will likely remain mild and could dissipate within a few months.
“There is a three out of four chance it will remain a weak event,” said Michelle L’Heureux, lead scientist on NOAA’s team studying El Niño and La Niña. “A weaker event tends to exert less of an influence on the global circulation, so it’s possible there will be surprises ahead.”
Potential Weather Impacts
Historically, La Niña events have intensified the Atlantic hurricane season, as cooler Pacific waters often correspond with conditions that favor tropical storm development in the Atlantic. However, the current weak La Niña may not provide enough influence to substantially increase activity this season.
In the United States, La Niña patterns are typically associated with wetter conditions — including the potential for snowstorms — in northern regions and drier weather in the South. Beyond the U.S., La Niña often brings:
- Heavier rainfall is expected in Indonesia, the Philippines, parts of Australia, Central America, northern South America, and southeastern Africa.
- Drought conditions in the Middle East, eastern Argentina, eastern China, Korea, and southern Japan.
Global Context
La Niña and El Niño events are part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which influences global weather patterns, ocean temperatures, and storm activity. The last La Niña ended in 2023, followed by a strong El Niño period that contributed to record warmth in 2024.
While meteorologists say this current La Niña may not have the strength to cause major disruptions, they continue to monitor its development closely — as even weak events can shift global weather trends.
Source: Associated Press
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