Tropical Highlights � March 2013

 

 

�During March 2013, the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) remained near-average across the equatorial Pacific (Fig. T18, Table T2). The latest monthly Ni�o indices were -0.2�C for the Ni�o 3.4 region and +0.1�C for the Ni�o 1+2 region (Table T2, Fig. T5). Consistent with these conditions, the depth of the oceanic thermocline (measured by the depth of the 20�C isotherm) remained near-average across the central and east-central equatorial Pacific (Figs. T15, T16).

Also during March, the equatorial low-level easterly trade winds remained near-average across the equatorial Pacific (Table T1, Fig. T20) and enhanced convection was seen over the western equatorial Pacific (Figs. T25, E3). Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies reflect a continuation of 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