Posted: 10:37 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2012
New information and data from the Climate Prediction Center concerning our current La Nina. The latest readings from the Pacific Ocean indicate that La Nina (the below average sea surface temperature) is still happening and the majority of forecast models predict it to peak now and into February. The thinking is that this lengthy La Nina pattern will finally dissipate sometime between March and May.
What this means for us is the continuation of above normal temperatures and near to below normal rainfall into the spring. As stated before in this blog, we will have brief shots of cold air, but overall the temps will average above the norms thru February. What will be interesting to watch is our severe weather season this spring. With much above normal temps expected to our south, there would be a greater risk for strong to severe storms moving into North Georgia. We shall see.
The latest drought monitor has not changed much. Still a huge contrast between North Georgia, with no drought, to an extreme drought in the south metro area, and middle Georgia. Looking back to last January when most of North Georgia was abnormally dry or in a moderate drought, some spots are much better off and then areas to the south are much worse.
Have a great weekend. It looks like an active week ahead and then colder next weekend. Peace.
David Chandley, AMS certified meteorologist, appears on Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is involved in team coverage whenever severe weather breaks.
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