Environment

El Nino Could Form This Summer

posted: 08 June 2009 02:48 pm ET

: During El Nino, the surface of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South American (brown region at right) is warmer (red) as cool water below (blue) does not upwell effectively. Click to see how it's different during non-El Nino times. Credit: NOAA

Equatorial sea surface temperatures are warmer-than-average across much of the Pacific Ocean, right now and El Nino could form this summer, NOAA announced today.

The good news: possibly reduced hurricane activity. The bad news: possibly heavier rain in the Southern United States (which is actually good news for drought-stricken areas).

El Nino is marked by warmer water in the Pacific off the coast of South America. It alters weather patterns in the United States and around the world. [How it works]

"Current observations and dynamical model forecasts indicate conditions are favorable for a transition ... to El Nino conditions during June-August 2009," NOAA stated today.

Read full story at NOAA

Previous Etc. Article

World's Smallest Microwave Is USB Powered

Next Etc. Article

Huge Black Hole Sets Record

What Do YOU Think?

Share your thoughts with others - post a comment!

Or Start/Join a discussion in our forums

Don't Miss It!

Dive Deep: Virtual Tour of the Mariana Trench

A computer simulation of the deepest trench in the ocean - 6.8 miles (10,902 meters) down - takes you were no humans have ever been. Only Nereus the robot has gone so deep.

Play Video