The El Niño peaked in December last year. Latest climate models forecast that the El Niño would continue into spring but with a gradual weakening trend and sea surface temperatures of the tropical Pacific are likely to resume normal by this summer.

(Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA)
Figure 1. Sea surface temperature anomalies of January 2010 in degree Celsius.

Note:

1. For background information on El Niño and La Niña, please visit http://www.hko.gov.hk/climate_change/resources_e.htm#enso.

2. The next update will be available in the latter half of May 2010.

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