El Niño/La Niña Update (October 2007) Document 31 October 2007 La Niña conditions are now well established across the central and eastern Equatorial Pacific. The magnitude of the current sea surface temperature departures from normal in the central and eastern Equatorial Pacific are in the middle-range of La Niña events found in the historical record. La Niña conditions are most likely to continue at least through the first quarter of 2008. Each La Niña event is different in some respect from the other events, but some, like this one, are more different from the others. The most substantial difference for this event is that sea surface temperatures currently across the north of Australia to the Indian Ocean continue to be cooler than normal, contrary to those generally found in most La Niña events. In addition, the sequence leading up to this event has been unusual, with La Niña conditions established only after a break in movement to such conditions during AprilJune. For management of climate risks and climate-related risks during this event, it is therefore critical to recognize the specific aspects of the current evolving situation and consult regional seasonal climate outlooks that factor in both the prevailing La Niña conditions, and other aspects of the climate system, such as the unusual conditions prevailing in the Indian Ocean. Download document Share: Document type: El NIño / La Niña Update