Tropical Highlights � May 2020

 

 

During May 2020, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) remained near-average across much of the equatorial Pacific (Fig. T18). The latest monthly Ni�o indices were +0.1�C for the Ni�o 1+2 region, -0.2�C for the Ni�o 3.4 region and +0.2�C for the Ni�o 4 region (Fig. T5). The depth of the oceanic thermocline (measured by the depth of the 20�C isotherm) was below-average across much of the equatorial Pacific (Figs. T15, T16). The corresponding sub-surface temperatures were 1-4�C below-average across the eastern and east-central equatorial Pacific (Fig. T17).

 

Also during May, the lower-level wind anomalies were easterly across much of the equatorial Pacific (Fig. T20). The upper-level westerly winds were stronger than average across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (Fig. T21). Meanwhile, tropical convection was suppressed in the central equatorial Pacific and was slightly enhanced over Indonesia (Figs. T25, E3). Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies were 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