Tropical Highlights - August 2017

 

 

Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) during August 2017 remained near-average across most of the equatorial Pacific (Fig. T18, Table T2). The latest monthly Niño indices were +0.2°C for the Niño 4 region, -0.2°C for the Niño 3.4 region, and -0.5°C for the Niño 1+2 region (Table T2, Fig. T5). The depth of the oceanic thermocline (measured by the depth of the 20°C isotherm) was below-average over much of the eastern equatorial Pacific (Figs. T15, T16), and the corresponding sub-surface temperatures were 1-2°C below average (Fig. T17).

 

Also during August, the lower-level trade winds were enhanced across the western equatorial Pacific and the upper-level winds were near average over much of the equatorial Pacific (Table T1, Figs. T20, T21). Meanwhile, convection was enhanced over the Maritime Continent and suppressed over the western and central equatorial Pacific (Figs. T25, E3). Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies are consistent with ENSO-neutral conditions.

 

For the latest status of the ENSO cycle see the ENSO Diagnostic Discussion at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/index.html