TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REF: 3-6-19-98
CONTACT: Eric Wesley, (806) 742-2136
LA NINA EXPECTED TO EXTEND DROUGHT FOR SOUTHERN REGION OF THE UNITED STATES
LUBBOCK -- Researchers from Texas Tech University say current drought conditions across the southern region of the United States may continue straight through the winter months, meaning less chance of rain, dried-up farm fields and dismal prospects for 1999 agricultural crops. The main reason why: La Nina. The sister to El Nino, La Nina will have an opposite effect on southern states than El Nino, making for the potential of an economic disaster.
Richard Peterson, Ph.D., professor of atmospheric science at Texas Tech, says La Nina will not produce any favorable results for Texas and the rest of the south. "El Nino made conditions colder and wetter during the winter months," said Peterson. "La Nina will do exactly the opposite by producing warmer and dryer conditions during the coming months."
Warmer and dryer are not what the south needs at this point. With very little rain during the past few months, conditions for farmers are worsening by the day while the potential for wildfires, like the ones in Florida, continues to grow. The warmer and dryer conditions also affect the average person who is trying to keep his or her lawn or garden in top-notch shape.
One hope for rain is the effect La Nina could have on this year's hurricane season. The cooling of the eastern Pacific Ocean by La Nina could make for a severe hurricane season along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. For southeast states along the Atlantic Ocean that may be a bittersweet pill to swallow. However, the last hurricane that blew into the Gulf of Mexico and affected Texas and adjacent states was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, meaning as always, the possibility is slim to none.
For more information, contact Richard Peterson, Ph.D., at (806) 742-3101 or (806) 742-3418.
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