La Nina climate pattern ending; here comes 'La Nada'

[Auggie]

Originally appeared in USA Today / 2-12-18

Climate troublemaker La Niña, which is partly responsible for the extreme drought now scorching the southwestern U.S. and California, is expected to fade away over the next few months, scientists said.

In its place will be the "neutral phase" of the Pacific Ocean climate pattern officially known as ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation).

The climate pattern, marked by either unusually warm or cool seawater in the central Pacific Ocean, can affect weather in the U.S. and around the world.

SNIP

Although La Niña is on the way out, it will "continue affecting temperature and precipitation across the United States during the next few months," the Climate Prediction Center said Thursday.

LINK: http://www.kgw.com/article/weather/la-nina-climate-pattern-ending-here-comes-la-nada/283-517848208

Article concludes by saying that drought conditions will continue for California ...