Montana State University scientist finds link to Montana weather extremes

How Montana winters shape up has been subject of study for years, especially after El Niño and La Niña cycles became part of the discussion.

El Niño, first recognized as warming of Pacific waters off the coast of Peru, clearly affected global climate. In Montana, El Niño usually — though not always — means warmer, drier winters.

Its opposite, La Niña — a cooling of waters in the Pacific — generally results in cooler, wetter winters.

They are not absolutes. Other factors are in play, including climate change.

By LORNA THACKERAY Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_a2f1a9f9-90f2-578d-9c3f-2dc31f295d67.html