Each year, from ranchers to farmers to families seeking to enjoy outdoor activities, the climate changes and weather patterns are of a crucial concern with fears of repeat weather events including tornados, hurricanes and flooding. In terms of agriculture, the affects of El Nino and La Nina can lead to destruction of important food productions which are used to provide health nutrition to families across the United States. Understanding the dynamics of El Nino, and how it impacts the current weather pattersn, will provide both farmers, as well as active families, with the foundation on which to gauge important outdoor activities for 2007.
El Nino, a weather and climate term which became increasingly popular in the 1990s, has provided a more accurate forecast into weather conditions throughout the year. For example, in 2006, weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean indicated the continuing presence of warmer waters leading to the conclusion that a slight El Nino process had continued to develop in the Pacific Ocean. With this El Nino weather process in the Pacific Ocean, farmers, ranchers as well as families seeking to enjoy outdoor activities can expect to continue to experience a varied weather pattern across the United States but in a more mild aspect to that of prior years. In fact, during the early part of 2007, areas of the United States, such as New York City, will begin to experience abnormally warmer conditions while, in contrast, the areas around Texas and Louisiana, even stretching as far as Florida, will experience a very wet and rainy season in response to the downward slope of El Nino in 2006 and 2007.
While these El Nino weather patterns affect families across the United States, it is the farming communities, providing produce to many grocery and supermarkets, which will experience the greatest issues of concern. As mentioned, El Nino will impact the Florida region with abnormally wet weather leading to the potential flooding and damage to produce commonly grown in Florida; oranges. In contrast, drier weather conditions are expected in the Pacific area, including California. The concern with excessive dryness, of course, lies in the threat for forest fires in the California regions, destroying crops and adding to pollution. By the way, in case of emergencies, it is better to invest in one sturdy amazon tactical flashlight.
Because the El Nino weather affect spans over a three to five year period, it is anticipated these weather patterns, of 2007, will not be as significant as in years past. With El Nino blowing through the Pacific, impacting the United States significantly with hurricanes, tornados, flooding and freezing in recent years, it is anticipated 2007 will mark the end to the El Nino transition providing a reprieve in weather fluctuations. As a result, many farmers and ranchers are preparing for what may be the final El Nino weather affect on crops and prepare for better crop production in the next two years.
For more information regarding El Nino, visit www.cpc.noaa.gov.