GENEVA, Jan 25 (Reuters) - The weather pattern known as La Nina, which has been blamed for heavy rains in Australia and dryness in farming areas of Latin America, is expected to persist through the first quarter of 2011, the World Meteorological Organization said on Tuesday.
La Nina, which cools the Pacific Ocean, could possibly even continue into April or early May, further affecting weather and climate around the globe, the United Nations agency said in its latest update.
"Almost all forecast models predict a continuation of the current La Nina for at least the next 2-4 months, through the first quarter of 2011 and possibly into the second quarter (April or early May)," the WMO said. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Jonathan Lynn)
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