YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The latest advisory from the Climate Prediction Center says that a La Nina has developed in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to linger into the spring. A La Nina occurs when sea surface temperatures average below normal over time.

Matt Rosencrans, a meteorologist at the CPC, says they will update that forecast every month.

Historically, La Nina’s have caused below normal temperatures across much of the northern plains during the winter.

Rosencrans says their predictions are largely based on past observations.

Rosencrans says they are confident of the impacts at least through February.

Rosencrans took part in the recent North Central monthly climate update.