La Niña continues to strengthen in the Pacific Ocean

La Niña continues to strengthen in the Pacific Ocean, as shown in the latest satellite data of sea surface heights from the NASA/European Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason-2 satellite.

The image is based on the average of 10 days of data centred on Sept. 3, 2010. Higher (warmer) than normal sea surface heights are indicated by yellows and reds, while lower (cooler) than normal sea surface heights are depicted in blues and purples.

Green indicates near-normal conditions. According to NASA climatologist Bill Patzert "This La Niña could deepen the drought in the already parched Southwest and could also worsen conditions that have fuelled Southern California's recent deadly wildfires"

Picture: AP / NASA / JPL