The Difference Between El Niño and La Niña

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

You may have heard the terms “El Niño” and “La Niña” before, but do you know what they mean? These terms are used to describe oscillating weather patterns that affect the area of the globe that contains the United States. While these events usually only last for about a year, they can sometimes span multiple years. They typically appear ever 2-7 years. El Niño refers to a period of warming in the Pacific Ocean and typically occurs over the winter season. It is categorized by higher than average temperatures and rainy, wet conditions throughout the Gulf Coast area and drier than average conditions in the Ohio Valley and Pacific Northwest. This event usually occurs more frequently than La Niña. La Niña is the opposite of El Niño. This weather pattern is characterized by colder temperatures on the ocean surface, greater chances for tornadoes, and below average temperatures in the northwest United States. Typically, we expect La Niña to follow closely behind El Niño, but this does not always happen. Knowing which weather pattern to expect can help you be prepared and prevent disaster. If your home or commercial building suffers from storm damage call us at 817.595.2506!