Currently, we are in an ENSO-neutral period called "La Nada." La Nada is the midpoint between an El Niño and La Niña. This occurs when the ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are near average.
The "in-between" ocean state can be frustrating for long-range forecasters. "It's like driving without a decent road map — it makes forecasting difficult," said climatologist Bill Patzert of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
With this said, scientists are now saying that we currently have a 50% chance of a return of El Niño in approximately 6 months. This would coincide with the Atlantic Ocean hurricane season and could pose some very dramatic environmental interactions.
Learn more HERE!
This is an awesome time to collect data. The data that you collect now AND during the upcoming El Niño could result in some very vital and fascinating student research!
