WASHINGTON, July 11 (UPI) -- Rising sea surface temperatures in the equatorial region of the eastern Pacific show an El Nino is developing, U.S. weather forecasters say.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday the El Nino is expected to last through the coming winter.
El Nino, Spanish for "little boy," was named after the Christ child because the phenomenon was associated with Christmas. The El Nino effect is a combination of air and ocean currents and oscillations that can have a major effect on global weather.
"Advanced climate science allows us to alert industries, governments and emergency managers about the weather conditions El Nino may bring so these can be factored into decision-making and ultimately protect life, property and the economy," said Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
El Nino's negative effects can include stormier weather in the southern United States, less-productive fisheries in the Pacific and heavy rains and mudslides in Central America. Positive effects include less-violent Atlantic hurricanes, milder winters in the northern United States and more rain in the southwest.
