Disruption to climate from La Niña

The phenomenon known as La Niña is a periodic cooling of a large area of the tropical Pacific Ocean. It can alternate with an ocean-warming called El Niño. Both can have an impact on weather worldwide. Atlantic hurricanes are more powerful during La Niña years, while hurricanes have been less destructive during El Niño years.

1. As La Niña makes trouble for some, it benefits others. Because of warmer temperatures and reduced snowfall, by 1999 the USA saved an estimated $5 billion in heating costs since 1997, when one La Niña began, and an estimated $350 million was saved in snow-removal expenses.

1. Short-term climatic change
2. Large-scale weather anomalies
3. Destabilization of ocean currents

1. Long shipping distances
2. Inadequate rainfall
3. Wildfires
4. Floods
5. Extreme weather events
6. Disturbance of reproductive cycles of wildlife
7. Desiccation of rivers
8. Bad weather

1. Disruption to climate from El Niño

1. NOAA La Niña Page