The La Nina weather phenomenon is here.
America will feel its effects this winter, especially in the Northwest, where it'll be colder and snowier -- but in Texas, not so much.
Before and during Harvey, Eric Berger of Space City Weather showed uncanny accuracy in warning about the storm's length and rainfall in the area. For La Nina, he sees limited impact – a local winter that’s a little bit milder and drier than usual, particularly after the turn of the year.
La Nina is driven by ocean temperatures in the central Pacific.
It’s a natural cycle featuring cooler ocean water in the central Pacific Ocean – and a major influence on continental weather.
Last year’s La Nina winter ran from November to February.
“Having less rain than a typical winter is usually OK -- because it’s not hot, like in summer, (so) you don’t see the high evaporation rates … so if there’s less rainfall in the winter, it typically doesn’t lead to drought.”