‘Triple-Dip’ La Nina
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has extensively studied the nature of La Nina and has made the forecast that La Nina will occur in three consecutive northern hemisphere winters. This is termed the ‘triple-dip’ effects of La Nina. Scientists of WMO had predicted for quite some time that La Nina is underway, and the condition has strengthened between July and August and is likely to intensify further. This change in weather patterns would be observed in floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones worldwide.
As per the latest update of WMO released on August 31, 2022, the oceanic and atmospheric phenomenon would last until at least the end of the year and for the first time this century, span three consecutive northern hemisphere winters to become a ‘triple dip’ La Nina. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has made a forecast that the La Nina winter season is expected to continue from December 2022 to February 2023.
Triple Dip La Nina
La Nina (‘Little Girl‘ in Spanish) is a natural and periodic weather pattern that occurs due to fluctuating ocean temperatures in one particular part of the world, namely the east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is the cyclic process of cooling sea surface temperature in the central and eastern Pacific Oceans situated in the equatorial region. This cooling effect results in unique patterns of tropical wind circulation, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall, causing significant changes in weather and climate. The unusual cooling of seawater causes less water evaporation so the air above becomes dryer, cooler, and denser.
This dense air doesn’t develop into storms and causes less rainfall in certain parts of the world and more rainfall in other parts. This natural event typically occurs in a cycle of five to seven years and lasts for about three years. That is why it is called triple-dip La Nina. La Nina gives rise to stronger ocean winds that intensify during July and August, affecting temperature and rainfall patterns. This leads to storms, drought, and flood-like situations.
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