La Nina conditions developing, raising risk of increased Atlantic hurricane activity

La Nina conditions are likely to develop in July and August, potentially causing an increase in hurricane activity in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.The U.S. Climate Prediction Center issued a watch on July 8, cautioning that sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean are cooler than average. “The majority of models now predict La Nina conditions to develop during June-August and to continue through early 2011.”The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) points to research conducted by Dr. William Gray of Colorado State University. “According to this research, the chances for the continental U.S. and the Caribbean Islands to experience hurricane activity increases substantially during La Nina,” the NOAA says.