Tropical Highlights - July 2026

 

During July 2026, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) continued to increase across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (Fig. T18, Table T2). 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 1-9C above-average in the eastern equatorial Pacific (Fig. T17).

 

Across the western and east-central equatorial Pacific, the lower-level wind anomalies were westerly and the upper-level wind anomalies were easterly during July 2026 (Table T1, Figs. T20, T21). Tropical convection was enhanced across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and was suppressed over Indonesia (Fig. T25). Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies were consistent with strengthening 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