We aren't in La Nina conditions right now. The ENSO is in the neutral range right now, and is
forecast to remain neutral throughout this summer.
And as for solar maximum? This current solar cycle is currently one of the weakest in a very long time:
Let's be liberal with what is expected, and say that in the next six months the peak sunspot number is 125. Well there is nothing out of the ordinary about that number at all. See for yourself:
There's nothing really abnormal about a warmer than average summer with less than average preciptiation. That's
weather for you...
What is interesting to note, is that
new research has been identifying causal structures with respect to the jet stream, and blocking patterns that form:
The researchers analyzed observational data collected between 1979 and 2010 and found that a decrease in autumn Arctic sea ice of 1 million square kilometers -- the size of the surface area of Egypt -- corresponded to significantly above-normal winter snow cover in large parts of the northern United States, northwestern and central Europe, and northern and central China.
The analysis revealed two major factors that could be contributing to the unusually large snowfall in recent winters -- changes in atmospheric circulation and changes in atmospheric water vapor content -- which are both linked to diminishing Arctic sea ice. Strong warming in the Arctic through the late summer and autumn appears to be enhancing the melting of sea ice.
The same blocking patterns can result in warmer than normal conditions on the other side of the jetstream. I bet this will make deniers head explode, more global warming can mean colder snowier winters. :lol: