Understanding the 2010?12 La Niña events ? new publication released

19/07/2012

A new publication illustrating the significance of the recent 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 La Niña events and their impact on Australia's climate has been released by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Record-breaking La Niña events covers the successive La Nina events spanning 2010–2012, which were associated with record rainfall over much of Australia and some of the biggest floods in living memory. This followed years of severe drought in many parts of the country.

The new publication provides a historical record of the La Niña climatic conditions and an explanation of the climate drivers affecting Australia's weather.

Assistant Director for Climate Information Services, Neil Plummer said "we have released this latest publication to provide the community with a more in-depth understanding of the La Niña events.

"The publication explains some of the major factors that drive La Niña and El Niño events and how they influence our climate while illustrating the significant and widespread impacts of the two recent La Niña events,” said Mr Plummer.

By understanding these large natural swings in Australia’s climate, the Bureau can be better placed to plan and respond to future climate shifts.

Go to Record-breaking La Niña events for more information.