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Podcasts Take Two
El Niño is likely, but scientists say it could be a weak one
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Jun 6, 2014
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El Niño is likely, but scientists say it could be a weak one
The eagerly anticipated El Niño, expected to bring water to the drought stricken West, will not be as robust as scientists had hoped.
Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean on June 5, 2014.
Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean on June 5, 2014.
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NOAA
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The eagerly anticipated El Niño, expected to bring water to the drought stricken West, will not be as robust as scientists had hoped.

Warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean mean that an El Niño year is likely on the way.

While that would typically mean a wet winter for California, and possibly some relief from the drought, climate scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say that might not be the case this time.

The latest report from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says that while the chances of an El Niño year have increased, it looks like a moderate one. Mike Halpert, acting director for NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, joins Take Two with more.