What kind of weather is typically associated with the northeast Pacific due to the Walker circulation pattern?

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The northeast Pacific is significantly influenced by the Walker circulation pattern, which involves the east-west movement of air and affects sea surface temperatures. When the Walker circulation is in a normal state, it contributes to cooler sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific. This cooling can enhance the likelihood of coastal fog, as cooler water leads to the formation of fog when the air above warms, causing it to hold moisture.

In this context, cool sea surface temperatures can create conditions where moist air encounters the relatively colder ocean surface, leading to condensation and fog formation, especially in the morning hours. This phenomenon is particularly evident along the coast where upwelling brings colder water to the surface, further supporting the development of fog.

The other options do not align with this understanding of the Walker circulation's effects on the northeast Pacific. Warm air with heavy precipitation would suggest a different atmospheric setup, which is not consistent with the typical implications of the Walker circulation leading to cooler temperatures and reduced precipitation in that region. Moreover, cool air with light precipitation does not accurately reflect the impact of cooler sea surfaces when fog, rather than precipitation, is prevalent in those conditions.

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