The convection phase of the Madden Julian oscillation (MJO) centered near and west of the Dateline in April, developed an eastward extension during the past 10 days resting in the eastern tropical North Pacific. The emergence of this feature is the catalyst to the heavy rains centered on Texas and the southern Great Plains in late April. MJO forecasts indicate a stagnant (MJO) pattern for the first 1-2 weeks of May.