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Weak El Ni?o may strengthen

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- A weak El Nin?o is under way and is expected to strengthen and last into the early months of next year, U.S. government climate researchers said Thursday.

The periodic climate phenomenon is marked by warming of the central Pacific Ocean and changes in wind direction and air pressure that can affect weather around the world.

Previous El Nin?os have brought more rain in the western United States.

National Weather Service forecasters said Pacific sea surface temperatures are runningbetween 1.3 degree Fahrenheit (0.7 Celsius) and 1.8 degree Fahrenheit (1 Celsius) above normal.

Computer models indicate this could strengthen during coming months, the researchers said.



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