Dr James Risbey’s 5MU Radio Interview Discusses La Nina

James was interviewed by South Australia’s 5MU on 8th October and was asked about the causes and impacts of the global weather event La Nina.

Dr Risbey explained some of the factors likely to be causing this year’s wetter than average start to spring in some areas and other impacts of La Nina.

He noted that the rainfall pattern associated with La Nina has different drivers in different parts of the continent.  For example, in QLD there is an enhancement of the trade wind circulation.

He also noted that La Nina raises sea surface temperatures north of Australia. These warm waters have a cascade of weather effects that can include more storms across the continent and an earlier arrival of the monsoon in the far North.

The enhanced cloudiness associated with La Nina can result in reduced maximum daytime temperatures.  He noted that while La Nina tilts the odds to wetter years, this is like weighting a dice.  Wet years are more likely, but we can still get a roll for a dry year.

You can listen to the interview here:

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