El Niño/La Niña Update (January 2011)

A significant La Niña episode continues in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with 

effects extending into adjacent ocean basins. Atmospheric indicators show this 

episode to be one of the strongest of the last century, while oceanic indicators 

have been at moderate to strong levels. La Niña conditions are likely to continue 

through the first quarter of 2011. While many recent regional climate impacts are 

consistent with the impacts typically associated with La Niña, some differ, and 

may continue to differ. For management of climate-related risks during this 

event, it is important to consult regional climate information and seasonal 

outlooks that account for both the prevailing La Niña conditions and other 

factors with potential influence on the local climate.