Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, June 15, 2016
(WEST LAFAYETTE) - Parts of Indiana may experience another drought this summer, depending on the strength of a developing La Nina weather pattern, according to the State Climate Office.
Already, some northern Indiana counties are abnormally dry, the Purdue University-based office said in a news release.
Stronger La Nina conditions in summer typically result in Midwest summers that are hotter or drier, or both, the office said. That's what happened during the drought in the summer of 2012.
If the La Nina does develop quickly and with at least moderate intensity, drought conditions may develop in Indiana by August, said Ken Scheeringa, associate state climatologist.
"In recent years, there has been a trend to fall droughts in Indiana. For example, last year, moderate drought occurred from late September into late December," Scheeringa said.
Neutral weather conditions began in late May after what was one of the strongest El Ninos on record, the office said. The El Nino generated eight consecutive months of above-normal temperatures in Indiana through April and a mix of above- and below- normal precipitation.
"Historically, a quickly developing La Nina after a strong El Nino can be moderate to strong in intensity," Scheeringa said.
La Nina conditions occur when Pacific sea surface temperatures in a specific area near the equator persist cooler than normal by about 1 degree Fahrenheit. La Ninas typically result in Indiana summers with above-normal temperatures and below normal precipitation, the office said.
Signs of extended dryness were reported in the June 9 update of the U.S. Drought Monitor, with all or portions of eight counties in far northern and northeastern Indiana rated as abnormally dry.
Online: U.S. Drought Monitor map of Indiana: http://bit.ly/1UOMw3c
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