Topline:
After a wet El Niño winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there's a 69% chance La Niña could develop by July and last through winter, potentially bringing dry and cool conditions to Southern California.
What could happen locally: La Niña is typically associated with drier weather in Southern California. However, we saw one of the wettest winters last year, and that occurred during a La Niña event.
Why is this happening? Temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean have begun to cool.
What's the difference between La Niña and El Niño? La Niña is often associated with drier and cooler conditions in Southern California. Wetter weather is commonly associated with El Niño, which is when warm water off the coast sends heat and moisture into the atmosphere.