La Niña Could Put California Back Into Dry Pattern As Soon As Late Spring

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- El Niño storms have helped to replenish California's dwindling snowpack that suffered during an extended drought, but there are indications that the tap may be turned off soon with a La Niña weather pattern.

"During strong El Niño seasons like we've been experiencing, usually there's a transition to some sort of La Niña," Tom Yulsman, Director of Environmental Journalism at the University of Boulder, Colorado said.

Yulsman describes La Niña as just the opposite of El Niño – that means an increase in equatorial cold water.  And, where El Niño brings us rain, "for the western United States, California, you tend to have a drier winter during La Niña," Yulsman said.

KPIX 5 Weather Center: Current Forecast & Conditions

Researchers are looking for the first and likely best clue – the water temperature at the equator.

"Temperatures are cooling in the Pacific," Yulsman said.

"We still have an El Niño, but it's gonna go away by the late spring, summertime," Yulsman said.

In:
• California
• Drought