SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Climate Prediction Center is issuing a La Nina watch, when Pacific Ocean surface temperatures cool, for late this year into next.
Dennis Todey, with the USDA Climate Hub in Iowa, says La Nina doesn't mean significant change in the long rang forecast.
Todey says the La Nina doesn't appear that it will be a huge force in winter weather this year or in the next growing season for that matter.
Still, Todey says, La Nina may impact winter's pattern. That's not to say that there will be more snow in the northern great plains. However there could be more storm systems coming through
He says other factors may have a greater impact through next spring. Todey says something else will probably kick in and be more of a driver this year than the La Nina. He thinks it will become a nonfactor by next summer.
La Nina comes on the heels of a two-year, record-breaking El Nino that faded last summer.