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Struggling with an odd surfing question? Email us: [email protected]Category: Meteorology
Q
I just read that this year was going to be a El Nino year. Before I get my hopes up, help me out guys -- is this year really going to be a El Nino year?
asked by Nick Davison, California
A
Surfline's very own Sean Collins replies:
Actually, it really isn't a classic El Nino situation as the water temps in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific are pretty near normal -- maybe 1-2 degrees warmer in some areas but also 1-2 degrees cooler in some areas too.
There is however, a large area of warm water in the northern Pacific from Alaska all the way across to Japan that is 2-3 degrees warmer in many areas.
I think the scientists and media are just using the "El Nino" buzzword to generate more interest and/or to relate to the readers.
What currently exists is more of short-term situation with the warmer water in the North Pacific than a typical more long term El Nino situation.
On the good side, the warmer water in the North Pacific should help to generate stronger storms this year so we could have a great season along the Pacific West Coast for west and northwest swells by late Fall into Winter. Stay tuned...
