As Queenslanders continue to sweat and get wet, you might be wondering what the heck happened to the drier conditions promised by El Niño – but it could be about to change… Meteorologists say the latest modelling suggests it is increasingly likely that La Niña weather patterns are set to return this winter. That would make it the fourth time in 5 years – something that’s only happened twice since 1900. Usually, not much stock is placed in January predictions, but due to an expected rapid cooling of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific over the coming months and an oceanic trend known as the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, it is increasingly likely that the soggy Spanish sister will return. There is some hope though, as drier-than-usual conditions are expected in February along with average rainfall over autumn, so plenty of time to invest in that new umbrella…