Gain insight into how the El Nino pattern may bring rainy conditions to the UK within a year

Weather patterns in the tropical Pacific could help determine the type of winter the UK faces in a year’s time, a “fundamental” new discovery improving the accuracy of long-term forecasts has been announced.

Ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean can drive climate patterns that have global effects. Approximately every three to five years, the Pacific Ocean changes from La Niña conditions, where surface water temperatures in the equatorial region are relatively cool, to El Niño conditions, where ocean water temperatures are relatively cool.