Neutral conditions have prevailed over the tropical Pacific, following the dissipation
of the 2010-11 La Niña event by early May 2011. However, a few weak remnants of
La Niña have persisted, particularly in some atmospheric features, and in recent
weeks the surface as well as sub-surface waters in the eastern and central tropical
Pacific Ocean have also cooled. Model forecasts and expert interpretation suggest
persistence of near-neutral conditions or the re-emergence of La Niña conditions.