La Nina's back

[Jeff_a_Caldwell]

Ready for a warmer-than-normal winter? That's what could be the case in the nation's midsection this year (though usually when they say that, it is way worse!) with La Nina conditions strengthening in the Pacific:

"During September-November 2011, there is evidence that La Nina favors an increased chance of above-average temperatures across the mid-section of the country, and an increased chance of above-average precipitation across the Pacific Northwest," according to a statement from the National Weather Service. 

• Here's more on what La Nina could do 

But it's what La Nina causes elsewhere -- namely excessive rain in the western Pacific -- that could cause supply shortages for ag commodities, and that could be bullish. Do you think it will have much bearing moving forward?

[jec22]

I would ask Elwynn T.  He predicted a 148 US corn yield back in March.  Looks to be close to a bullseye on that call.

Does La Nina mean good crops from SA?

[Canuck_2]

Isn't La Nina connected to drought through the midwestern US?

[Jeff_a_Caldwell]

Here's a little more information from NOAA:

"However, the impacts of El Niño and La Niña at these latitudes are most clearly seen in wintertime. In the continental US, during El Niño years, temperatures in the winter are warmer than normal in the North Central States, and cooler than normal in the Southeast and the Southwest. During a La Niña year, winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the Southeast and cooler than normal in the Northwest." 

Here's some information on temperatures and precipitation during some of the stronger La Nina years

[Jeff_a_Caldwell]

I was just checking out some information from Elwynn Taylor -- specifically, I was looking at his Twitter feed from the last few months. The guy is just flat-out amazing -- so many of his predictions from the last few months have been dead-on.

• Check it out here

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

Elwynn's a lot of fun to listen to.  He's been predicting a drought in the corn belt every 18 years for about 24 years.  Maybe this year can be called dry enough to pass muster.