PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Dr. Jenna Jorns, Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments (GLISA)
NOAA RELEASES LA NINA OUTLOOK FOR THE GREAT LAKES
GLISA climatologist William (B.J.) Baule reviewed content for the recently released NOAA briefing “La Niña Impacts and Outlooks for the Great Lakes.” The briefing is part of a coordinated effort among NOAA and other federal and state partners to detail the “typical” regional patterns observed during a La Niña event. Designed for decision-makers in government, municipal, and sectoral roles, the briefing includes the winter outlook for seasonal precipitation and temperature, as well as potential sectoral impacts.
This year’s briefing notes that the La Niña phenomenon will likely bring colder-than-normal temperatures and increased chances for moisture into the Great Lakes region. Among potential impacts, the briefing draws attention to negative impacts on winter wheat crops and fruit orchards, increased home-heating costs, greater difficulties in overland transportation, and higher lake levels due to increased runoff and decreased evaporation.
Read the full briefing here.