WASHINGTON (AP) – The La Nina (lah-NEEN’-yah) climate phenomenon

has returned and that could be bad news for the drought-ravaged

south central states.

The periodic cooling of the tropical Pacific Ocean can affect

weather worldwide and often results in drier-than-usual conditions

across the southern tier of the United States and wetter than

normal conditions in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley.

Mike Halpert, deputy director of the federal Climate Prediction

Center, says "this means drought is likely to continue in the

drought-stricken states of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico."

The forecasters said La Nina contributed to extreme weather

around the globe during the first half of this year and then faded.

They say it’s now re-emerged and is expected to gradually

strengthen and continue into winter.