La Nina not only strongly affects winter in the US but also creates remarkable impacts in Vietnam, especially when combined with the impacts of climate change and complex weather cycles.
La Nina is a climate phenomenon characterized by colder-than-average sea temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to changes in atmospheric patterns. Although it appears later than expected and is weak, La Nina still has noticeable impacts, especially during winter.
CNN quoted Professor Emily Becker at the University of Miami (USA), one of the experts of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as saying that this year's La Nina is unusual because it started late and is not as strong as previous cycles. However, the atmosphere has shown signs of La Nina since the fall, and this phenomenon is expected to last until April before turning neutral.
La Nina affects weather around the world. In the United States, La Nina typically brings wet winters to Northern California, drought in the South, and more rain in the Midwest.
The phenomenon has contributed to wildfires in Southern California, while major cities such as St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati have recorded record rainfall.
Globally, La Nina typically increases rainfall in Southeast Asia, causes drought in South America and alters hurricanes in the Atlantic.
Vietnam, located in an area directly affected by climate change in the Pacific region, will also feel the effects of La Nina.
La Nina causes winter temperatures in northern Vietnam to be lower than average, especially during cold spells or severe cold spells. This phenomenon is expected to last until late March or early April.
La Nina often increases rainfall in the Central and Southern regions, especially from the end of the year to early spring. This increases the risk of flooding, landslides and severely affects people's lives.
While the central region may face heavy rains, southern Vietnam may experience prolonged dry spells, especially during the late dry season.
Although this year’s La Nina is weaker, experts warn that extreme weather events should still be closely monitored. In addition, La Nina does not operate in isolation. Other factors such as climate change and local weather patterns can also increase the severity of current climate changes.
