The weather phenomenon La Niña could become more important in the coming months. The surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean plummeted last week to its lowest level since February 1, 2012. This sharp drop in temperature is the first measurable sign that El Niño's "little sister" is becoming more relevant.
Both El Nino and La Niña usually reached their peak in the current period until January. Analysts and commodity traders are therefore prepared to monitor temperature trends in the Pacific Ocean, as they can trigger volatile weather that can affect both supply and demand for agricultural commodities.
Last year, the La Niña weather phenomenon also hinted at the 2016/17 season. However, the global weather did not exactly follow the expected pattern.
It has been six years since the La Niña phenomenon with its typical effects was last observed.
Possible consequences are often colder, snowy winters in the north of the United States and prolonged drought in the southern plains, which could stress the US winter wheat stocks.
In the south of Brazil and in Argentina, lower yields of corn and soybeans may be the result of prolonged drought.
In addition, increased rainfall in Southeast Asia and Australia could be the result.
Last week, the US Climate Prionation Center (CPC) increased the probability of La Niña development to over 65% to 75%. In the previous month it was 55 to 65%.
Both El Nino and La Niña usually reached their peak in the current period until January. Analysts and commodity traders are therefore prepared to monitor temperature trends in the Pacific Ocean, as they can trigger volatile weather that can affect both supply and demand for agricultural commodities.
Last year, the La Niña weather phenomenon also hinted at the 2016/17 season. However, the global weather did not exactly follow the expected pattern.
It has been six years since the La Niña phenomenon with its typical effects was last observed.
Possible consequences are often colder, snowy winters in the north of the United States and prolonged drought in the southern plains, which could stress the US winter wheat stocks.
In the south of Brazil and in Argentina, lower yields of corn and soybeans may be the result of prolonged drought.
In addition, increased rainfall in Southeast Asia and Australia could be the result.
Last week, the US Climate Prionation Center (CPC) increased the probability of La Niña development to over 65% to 75%. In the previous month it was 55 to 65%.
Source and graphics: Reuters
