La Nina is part of a natural climate cycle that can cause extreme weather across the planet — and its effects vary from place to place.

The winter temperature outlook is favoring equal chances of above or below temperatures for the upper Midwest. The biggest impacts from La Nina will be seen in the southern and far northeastern portions of the country.

The emergence of a La Niña weather pattern could have an impact on the types of winter weather conditions we see in the U.S., including the D.C region. Here's what to know.