SOUTHLAND – (INT) – Climatologists are split over whether another El Nino is brewing in the tropical Pacific that could impact California’s weather later this year.

Forecast models at the Climate Prediction Center can’t agree on a developing El Nino later in the year, but say another is likely in the longer run.

Forecasters concluded that neutral conditions will linger for the remainder of the year. However, chances for El Niño remain elevated relative to the long-term average.

Last winter when La Nina ruled, enough rain fell to end California’s 5-year drought. The winter before that with an El Nino in full force, precipitation was average to slightly below.

Story Date: July 31, 2017