AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- The climate driver La Nina looks to hang around and have an impact into late this year.

Dennis Todey, head of the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa says they had expected La Nina to fade this spring.

A La Nina occurs when Pacific Ocean surface temperatures cool, and influences weather across North America.

Todey says the outlooks for May, June and July show warming temperatures and a lack of rain.

Todey says there is the potential for more heat and expanding drought areas into summer.

Todey hosted the monthly North Central Region Climate update.