More Storms Ahead
The ice and snow storms that shut down parts of the U.S. may not be over yet?there may be more to come, due to an El Nino in the Pacific Ocean. “El Nino is one of the driving forces behind these kinds of winter storm systems, which develop in the South and head east,” says Conrad C. Lautenbacher of NOAA. El Nino occurs when surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean remain above average for more than a few months. This can affect wind patterns high in the atmosphere resulting in changed weather in many parts of the world.
Despite the recent storms, NASA says 2002 has been the second warmest year on record. There?s been a record-breaking period of warm weather in recent years, with 2001 the third warmest year on record. But 1998 still holds the record.
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