s0lder than usual Wi nier predicted Pacific Ocean cooling decreases temperatures Michael Becker Newsy Editor michacl@usnews.com BUTTON up your overcoat. La Nina is coming to town. Environment Canada cli- matologists say that if the experience of past: weather trends holds, this year’s rapid cooling of the central trope cal Pacitic Ocean will result ina colder than usual winter here on the West Coast. North Shore residents can expect as much as 30" more snow than usual. “For those in the public whe have always wanted to Bet an emergeney Kit togeth- er this isa good time to de it.” advises the North and West Vancouver: Emergency Program's Ross Peterson. “Start now betore the snow falls.~ The La Nina weather phe- nomenon represents the flip side of the EL Nino efteet, which is characterized by a weakening of the trade winds and a warming of eecan sur- face Javers in the Equatorial eastern and central Pacitic Ocean. EI Nino tends to occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, EI Nino, Spanish for “the Christ child,” received its name from fishermen work- ing the west coast of South America. The name describes the warm water that appears every few years during the Christmas period and dis- rupts the fishing season. The World Meteorological Organization labeled the 1997-98 EL Nino the strongest of the century, It was 2 key factor in 1997's record high temperatures. In the case of the cold La Nina event, the coastal waters off British Columbia tend to cool. La Nina, “the girl,” involves the surfacing of colder than normal waters approximately 20 degrees either side of the Equator. The original name given to the cold phase following El Nino was El Viejo, “the old man.” La Nina began to show its strength earlier this year in May when scientists saw the ocean surface temperature drop quickly from 29 C to about 22 C in an area along the equator. The surface temperature decrease receded — the upwelling of a cold reservoir of water. There have been three La Ninas in the past 20 years and seven El Ninos. La Nina brings celder than normal winter air tem- erature to Canada, especial- y west of Quebec. Said Peterson, “With the colder water it changes the temperature gradient of the air above it, which has as we're finding out some pret- ty profound effects on air cir- culation and temperatures.” Environment Canada cli- matologist Bill Taylor has made it his business to study the impact of E! Nino and La Nina. Said Taylor of this year’s fa Nina, “ho came on Tike gangbusters and it sputtered ao ditthe bir, Tr still exists though. ‘Phe anomal iy sull there. The ocean) tempera- tures are osull elder than NOT” He said the [a Nina effect is forecast te persist to the end of March. Daly average tempera tures inthe Vancouver area are OC in November: 3.5 © m December: 3 C in January. 4.7 Cin February and 6.3. €¢ in March. Taylor said) that) trem HOTT to 1994 there were [4 La Nina years. “When Dlook at those 14 years along the | coast (Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast) temperatures were colder by about one degree on average. These La Nina winters are dearly colder.” The average Precipitation doesn’t change much during the La Nina vears, but the rane of rain to snow does and the winters are often slightly werter. During an average winter, 54.9 cm of snow falls at the Vancouver International Airport. Most of it comes down between November FACTORY FUTON Entrance in rear lane amount of Hon.- Sat. 11-Gaan Sunday 2-$ pra and March When ba Niaa becomes a faorer, snow fai can be 30". dheve average can additional 25 om The total winter preetpi nation -- thats ran and snow combined «as E674 motor the Vanceuver area On othe meuntinous North Shore. a one degree shut towards creeving tem peratures could ediise More white haves than usual. But cautions Peterson, “The patterns thar Seo Weatler paar 13 ry rive, N. Vancouver. - FAW AU LIAB UE ION ST HEIN Exly http:/Arww.usmews.com FUTON BLOWOUT! § COMPARE Obl. 3 9 7 sto Wechodes sabd pore sofa bed frame. Te fou cre ft, cat yates foes caves, pines and gota Covers Wade qaaatines Last 267 €. Ist. W.Van 994-4504 North Shore Employment Services Employment Funding 590” with the Government Sponsored ~ Opportunities Fund Human Resources Development Canada is making monies available to help people with disabilities gain access to paid employment or self- employment. North Shore Employment Services has been contracted to administer monies for wage subsidies that may assist people with disabilities obtain employment. We develop employment opportunities to your needs and currently have workers placed in: © manufacturing ¢ retail © tourism/hospitality ° daycare * office persennel ¢ computer data entry © genesal employment For information please call Gweneth Crook, Community Coordinator Nozth Shore Employment Services 984-9321 NEWS photo Terry Peters CYPRESS Bowl's Kent Rideout hoids up a handful of the white stuff Monday afternoon. The West Van ski area plans to open tomorrow. (See story page 13). Two Season | COMPLETE PACKAGE Skiis, boots & bindings from ‘g]* wan call for details & j AND TRUCK RANTALS Nortn Shore Owned & Ooeryad (Any car on our ict. 720 Marine Dr. North Van 987-F495 pons nee crash carres ‘Free pick-yp & drop off anywhere on the North Shore Super Gift Ideas from West Van Florist All kinds of Candles and Enchanting Ornaments from $2.99 All Cuddly Critters, Whimsical Santas and Snow People Rich, Red from $12.98 Cyclamen from $16.98 Gifts for gardeners at prices you'll dig! Beautiful Books, Trendy Tools, Stunning Statuary and Heavenly Herbs, Soaps, Creams and so much more! Tuesday, December 1 10:08 - 11:30 am European Handtied and Informal Bouquets. A “Favourite Hostess Gift for all Occasions. Thursday, November 26 10:00 - 11:30 am Living Wreaths and Moss Winter Baskets. Colourful Additions to Adorn Your Home. OPEN Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. tc 6:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 pm OPEN Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.in. WEST: VAN: FLORIST & GARDEN CENTRE Drive, West Vancouver ° Tel: 922-4171 Fax: 922-9735 :