Tropical Highlights - May 2026

 

During May 2026, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were above average across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (Fig. T18). The depth of the oceanic thermocline (measured by the depth of the 20C isotherm) was above-average across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (Figs. T15, T16). The corresponding sub-surface temperatures were 1-7C above-average across equatorial Pacific (Fig. T17).

 

Over the central equatorial Pacific, the lower-level wind anomalies were westerly and the upper-level wind anomalies were easterly during May 2026 (Table T1, Figs. T20, T21). Tropical convection was slightly above average over the central and east-central equatorial Pacific and near average over Indonesia (Fig. T25). Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies were consistent with El Nino 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