Earth
El Niño and La Niña cycles driven by ocean temperatures in the Pacific can influence weather in the North Atlantic 12 months later – a finding that could improve long-range forecasts
Wet weather in London is made more likely by El Niño conditions a year earlier
Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Weather patterns in the tropical Pacific can help to determine the kind of winter the UK will face a year later, in “radical” new findings set to improve the accuracy of long-range forecasting.
Ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific can trigger climate patterns with global effects. Every three to five years or so, the Pacific flips from La Niña conditions, where surface water temperatures in its equatorial region are relatively cool, to El Niño conditions, where these waters…
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 15 December 2024.
*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on
unserved issues.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
or
Existing subscribers
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
