What’s a Double Dip La Nina?

Multi-year La Nina weather patterns are not unprecedented. 

"In the 21st century, this is the third time we've seen what as known as a "double dip" La Nina.  Meaning that you see two consecutive winters with La Nina conditions across the equatorial pacific basin."

That was USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey.

"The last time this happened was 2010 to 2012.  And then previously we saw one that spanned 3 years.  It lasted from 1998 to 2001."

The current double dip La Nina started in 2020 and is expected to be around until at least spring of 2022.

"Typically, when you have multi-year La Nina's, that is correlated with increased drought coverage across the continental United States."

Which means existing drought conditions could worsen.

"We've already got enhanced drought across the United States, in part, related to the fact that we've La Nina conditions for a protracted period."

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