Outlook for strong El Nino maintains in US
Updated: 2015-12-11 10:46
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
A structure sits damaged by flooding after a storm in Index, Washington in this Nov 19, 2015, file photo. [Photo/Agencies] |
NEW YORK - A US government weather forecaster on Thursday said the El Nino weather phenomenon that is underway is expected to remain strong through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-16, before tapering off during the late spring or early summer.
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC), an agency of the National Weather Service, in its monthly forecast broadly maintained its outlook for strong El Nino conditions likely to persist through the winter.
"El Nino has already produced significant global impacts and is expected to affect temperature and precipitation patterns across the United States during the upcoming months," CPC said.
The phenomenon is a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that occurs every few years, triggering heavy rains and floods in South America and scorching weather in Asia and as far away as east Africa.
Japan's weather bureau said earlier Thursday that El Nino is now at its peak and weather would return to normal by summer.
Related Stories
El Nino worsens food security in East Africa: UN 2015-11-12 22:28
El Nino strong, but not a record-breaker 2015-11-05 14:43
Today's Top News
Putin, Cameron discuss Syria crisis, anti-terror fight
11 children drown at sea
Unregistered citizens to finally gain recognition
Aging population could shrink workforce by 10%
China seeks advice of foreign experts on economic blueprint
Aging population could shrink workforce by 10% in China
Czech president warns of terrorist attack
EU members agree on bloc's first cyber-security law
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Xi just needs to turn up for a grand welcome |
Stepping up |
Rural families still hope for male heirs |
Blue skies over Beijing ... for now |
V-Day parade for 70th WWII anniversary |
Tianjin blasts: Death, damage and bravery |