After a hot and dry El Nino, global weather patterns are expected to transition to La Nina in the second half of 2024. This could bring much-needed rain to Australia, Southeast Asia and India, while impacting grain and oilseed production in the Americas.
While the intensity and specific impacts remain uncertain, meteorologists predict a weak to moderate La Nina, marked by cooler surface water off the west coast of South America.
This shift could reverse the effects of the 2023 El Nino, which saw dryness in Asia and boosted harvests in parts of the Americas. India, Australia, and Southeast Asian palm oil and rice farms could all see significant changes depending on rainfall patterns.
For Australia, La Nina could be beneficial if rain falls during crucial periods of the growing season. Southeast Asian rice and palm oil production could also see a boost, while a normal Indian monsoon would be a boon for farmers.
In the US, La Nina's timing is crucial. A late-season arrival could benefit the Corn Belt by speeding up harvests, while an earlier onset could lead to dryness and impact river transportation and grazing pastures.
Stay tuned for updates as meteorologists refine their predictions and assess the potential impacts of La Nina on global agriculture and weather patterns.
Source: Japan Today
