KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WNAX) – Climate observers are waiting for more signals on the development of a possible La Nina later this year.

A La Nina happens when Pacific Ocean surface temperatures cool and it has an impact on North American weather.

Doug Kluck, Regional Climate Services Director for the National Weather Service in Kansas City, says making that prediction is difficult this time of year.

Dennis Todey, head of the USDA Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa, says a transition to a La Nina would be rare.

Kluck says any change in those ocean conditions are difficult to predict.

La Nina influences in the past have led to warmer and drier conditions in the northern plains.