ABERDEEN, S.D. (WNAX) – The national Climate Prediction Center has increased the chances of a La Nina forming in the Pacific Ocean late this year.

South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the percentages have gone up rapidly.

Edwards says La Nina conditions can have an impact in the winter, especially on temperatures.

Edwards says the expectation is that the La Nina will fade by springtime.

A La Nina is defined as the cooling of sea surface temperatures on the Pacific Ocean in the equatorial region, which impacts North American weather.