21 November 2008: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released an update on the current situation and outlook of El Niño/La Niña.

The update is prepared approximately every three months through a
collaborative effort between the WMO and the International Research
Institute for Climate and Society as a contribution to the UN
Inter-Agency Task Force on Natural Disaster Reduction. The WMO update
notes that near-neutral conditions currently prevail in the tropical
Pacific, which is expected to continue until the end of 2008 and into
early 2009. It also notes that, historically, the normal period for
development of El Niño or La Niña is March-May, and states that
forecasters will be watching for any signs of such development. The WMO
update highlights that periods when El Niño and La Niña conditions are
absent do not necessarily mean that fewer climate extremes will occur.
This is because such extremes can develop under the influence of
region-specific systems. Therefore, as the update advises, users should
continue to deploy risk management practices and consult National
Meteorological and Hydrological Services, and regional climate
institutions for more specific climate outlooks and follow-up updates. [The Update]