Dry land and fieldAs the wet weather from the spring El Niño fades, La Niña is already knocking at the door. This change could bring dryness to the southern U.S.

Last fall, 40% of the lower 48 states were experiencing some form of drought. Today, that number is cut in half thanks to the impacts of El Niño.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the transition to La Niña is already underway, but the impacts often are not felt for many months.

Rippey says just like the impacts of El Niño are still being felt four months after its peak, we’re likely not to feel the effects of La Niña until we get into the autumn of 2024. That is good news for the growing season.

Read more about the change in weather patterns here.