3.1       Neutral conditions prevailed across the equatorial Pacific Ocean in October 2008 with the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) close to their long-term average across the equatorial Pacific basin (Fig. 9).

 

3.2       Based on most statistical and coupled models, the neutral conditions are likely to persist through 2008 and may continue into the early part of 2009 (Fig. 10). The potential for El Niño or La Niña conditions to develop is unlikely.

 

Fig 9. Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies in Tropical Pacific (source US NOAA)

Fig 10. Forecast of the SST Anomalies (source US NOAA)