La Nina watch issued for Southern California, indicating possible dry winter for region, NOAA says

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a La Nina watch for Southern California this fall and winter.

La Nina weather events are typically associated with dry, fire-prone conditions.

According to the NOAA, there's about a 50% to 55% chance of a La Nina occurring this year.

"Based largely on dynamical model guidance, the forecaster consensus slightly favors La Niña development during the August-October season, and then lasting through the remainder of 2020," the NOAA said.

A "neutral forecast probability," which is somewhat in between a La Nina and an El Nino, is favored to continue through the summer, the agency said.