(The Guardian) All the signs are pointing to another wet summer, with the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest update suggesting a good chance of a return of the La Niña that has helped drench the east of the continent for the last two years.
Back in June, scientists warned a rare “triple-dip La Niña“ could be on the cards. Earlier this month, the bureau issued a “La Niña alert” saying the chance of the system returning was on the up.
Today, the bureau said the chance had risen further, with four of seven climate models showing the La Niña conditions could return by early-to-mid spring. The other three models suggest a neutral but cooler than average outlook. In a La Niña, trade winds strengthen and push warmer surface water closer to Australia, promoting clouds and rain.
In Australia, the bureau says La Niña events increase the chance of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during spring and summer. La Niña has opposite impacts elsewhere, with the system blamed for worsening drought in North America and East Africa.
Back in June, scientists warned a rare “triple-dip La Niña“ could be on the cards. Earlier this month, the bureau issued a “La Niña alert” saying the chance of the system returning was on the up.
Today, the bureau said the chance had risen further, with four of seven climate models showing the La Niña conditions could return by early-to-mid spring. The other three models suggest a neutral but cooler than average outlook. In a La Niña, trade winds strengthen and push warmer surface water closer to Australia, promoting clouds and rain.
In Australia, the bureau says La Niña events increase the chance of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during spring and summer. La Niña has opposite impacts elsewhere, with the system blamed for worsening drought in North America and East Africa.
