Japan sees growing signs of La Nina emerging as Pacific Ocean waters near equator cool

[October 11, 2017]    TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's weather bureau projected on Wednesday that there are growing signs of a La Niña pattern emerging as sea water temperatures being monitored near the equator in the Pacific Ocean are now cooler than their benchmark levels.

There is a 50 percent chance that a La Niña would emerge in the autumn or winter in Northern Hemisphere, while there is the same possibility of a normal weather pattern, the Japan Meteorological Agency said in a statement.

The Agency said last month there was a 40 percent chance of a La Nina emerging.

(Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)

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