Climate Experts Say La Nina May Return in Fall

Climate experts say the weather pattern that helped bring record snowfall to the Reno-Lake Tahoe region last winter could return this fall.

The U.S. Climate Prediction Center on Thursday issued a La Niña watch, citing conditions indicating a return of the climatic phenomenon characterized by cooler surface ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific.

It was in place from late 2010 through much of this year.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports scientists say computer models suggest the return of a mild La Nina this fall.

But what that would mean for northern Nevada and the Sierra is anyone’s guess.

Experts say Reno-Tahoe is right on the dividing line between wetter or drier conditions during a La Niña. Wetter conditions are generally expected to the north, drier ones to the south.