Massachusetts
What 'La Nada' Means For MA Spring, Summer Weather Patterns
MASSACHUSETTS — A change in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean may be coming soon, which means a welcome change from the El Niño pattern that has been influencing weather across New England for months.
The National Weather Service is predicting a transition to an ENSO-neutral pattern — also called La Nada, or “nothing” — soon, which means normal sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central Pacific Ocean along the equator. La Nada patterns happen between a change from El Niño — the condition over the Pacific now that’s been in place since last June — and La Niña.
“In summary, a transition from El Niño to ENSO-neutral is likely by April-June 2024 (85% chance), with the odds of La Niña developing by June-August 2024 (60% chance),” the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center said in an April 11 forecast discussion.
So what does that mean for weather across Massachusetts this spring and into early summer? According to the Climate Prediction Center, the region should see normal precipitation levels, and the possibility of slightly warmer temperatures.
If La Niña does happen by the end of summer, conditions will likely remain about average for precipitation with slightly warmer temperatures. La Niña could boost hurricane season in the fall.
MORE: ‘Extremely Active’ 2024 Hurricane Season Predicted: What To Know In MA
Even with the risk of hurricanes, there’s reason to look forward to La Niña. Communities across Massachusetts were devastated by flash floods during back-to-back heavy rain events last summer influenced by El Niño. In July, Boston, Worcester (falling short of the 2021 record by just over an inch) and Providence recorded their second-wettest July months ever. During one event in July, about 3 inches of rain fell in an hour in the Boston area, flooding Fenway Park and canceling that day’s game.
But if La Niña persists into winter, that’s a recipe for cold temperatures and plenty of snow.
Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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