Third consecutive La Niña begins in the Pacific
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has confirmed a La Niña weather pattern has become established in the tropical Pacific.
The Bureau said Pacific sea surface temperatures have been cooling since June and are now at La Niña thresholds.
Atmospheric indicators including the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), trade wind strength, and equatorial cloudiness are also displaying patterns typical of a La Niña event.
In its latest climate driver update, the BoM said forecast models indicate this La Niña event may peak during the spring and return to neutral conditions early in 2023.
La Niña events increase the chances of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during spring and summer.
That prospect is boosted by the continuing negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event, which is typically associated with above average spring rainfall for much of Australia.
When a La Niña combines with a negative IOD, it further increases the likelihood of above average rainfall, particularly in the eastern half of the continent.
