NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Climate Prediction Center has issued a La Niña Watch! So, what is a La Niña Watch, and why does it matter?

News 2 spoke with climate expert meteorologist Nat Johnson, and he said a La Niña Watch is what the Climate Prediction Center issues when they expect a La Niña over the next few months.

Johnson said La Niña is the cold phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. He said a La Niña occurs when the sea surface temperatures are cooler than normal in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

La Niña is just the opposite of El Niño. El Niño is when the temperatures in the same location are warmer than normal.

Johnson said scientists focus on it because it is one of the best tools for making seasonal forecasts, especially forecasts for the winter.

"Among all the

See Full Page