Weak La Nina to dampen summer, bureau predicts
It’s going to be a rainy summer thanks to a La Nina weather system developing in the Pacific Ocean.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the La Nina weather system is expected to continue through autumn, until about March or April.
La Ninas usually bring cloud and above-average rainfalls with them, with the last one stretching from 2010 into 2012 when Australia had its wettest two years on record.
However, the bureau says the latest La Nina will be weak and short-lived.
“La Nina typically brings above average rainfall to eastern Australia during late spring and summer,” the bureau said.
“However, sea surface temperature patterns in the Indian Ocean and closer to Australia are not typical of a La Nina event, reducing the likelihood of widespread above average summer rainfall.
“La Nina can also increase the chance of prolonged warm spells for southeast Australia.”
The bureau had put itself on La Nina watch in recent months after noticing an increase in the chances of one developing this summer.
La Nina occurs when waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean cool and push warmer water towards Australia, bringing cloud and above-average rainfall.
In an update released today, the bureau said signs of La Nina in the tropical Pacific Ocean had increased during spring, with trade winds and cloud patterns also showing clear La Nina patterns.
– AAP
