The current El Niño is now one of the strongest on record, new data shows, catapulting it into rare “super El Niño” territory, but forecasters believe that La Niña is likely to develop in the coming months. Forecasters believe the switch could get totally flipped to La Niña – cooler than average conditions in the eastern tropical Pacific – as soon as summer, but more likely by fall, and issued a La Niña watch on Thursday. La Niña watch issuedA La Niña watch is now in effect, meaning conditions are favorable for a La Niña to form within the next six months, according to a forecast released by the CPC Thursday. The center is eyeing this transition to unfold during the summer months, with La Niña conditions increasingly likely to be in effect through the fall. La Niña conditions were in place for a portion of the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record: 2020.

Source: CNN February 08, 2024 07:01 UTC