NOAA Issues New Projections on Strength of La Niña This Winter

Although a La Niña watch remains in effect for the U.S., forecasters are expecting it to now come in on the weaker side of the scale. What does this mean for the upcoming winter season? Read on for all of the details.

NOAA Report Issues New Guidance on Possible Emergence of La Niña

A new update issued last week from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is indicating that experts believe that La Niña will be weaker than expected this year. A weaker climate phase means that it will not have as strong of an influence on global weather patterns.

La Niña is in play when the ocean's surface temperatures across the central and east-central equatorial Pacific trend cooler than average. These cooler readings impact the weather all across the planet.

After a strong El Niño pattern last year, the equatorial Pacific is now in what is known as the neutral phase. This means that neither El Niño nor La Niña are dictating the weather patterns.

The sea-surface temperatures in this part of the equatorial Pacific Ocean are currently a balance of cooler and warmer pockets. This is indicative of a neutral phase with no dominant pattern emerging.

NOAA said that a La Niña watch will remain in effect. Water temperatures in this part of the basin are forecast to remain cool enough to meet the criteria needed to qualify as a La Niña event. The NOAA October update detailed that its experts still lean toward a weak event.