Synopsis: ENSO-neutral or La Niña conditions are equally likely through early 2009.
ENSO-neutral conditions continued during November 2008, although equatorial sea surface temperatures (SSTs) remained below-average across much of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean (Fig. 1). Correspondingly, the latest weekly SST index values were -0.9°C in Niño-1+2, -0.3°C in Niño 3, -0.5°C in Niño 3.4, and -0.4°C in Niño 4 (Fig. 2). The subsurface oceanic heat content anomalies (average temperatures in the upper 300m of the ocean, Fig. 3) became increasingly negative as below-average temperatures at thermocline depth expanded throughout the central and eastern Pacific (Fig. 4).
Low-level easterly winds and upper-level westerly winds expanded and strengthened across the equatorial Pacific Ocean during the month. Also, convection remained enhanced near Indonesia and suppressed near the International Date Line. However, in recent months intraseasonal variability has contributed to episodic strengthening and weakening of convection over Indonesia. Overall, the ocean-atmosphere system during November remained consistent with ENSO-neutral conditions, but exhibited several atmospheric characteristics typical of weak La Niña conditions.
A majority of the SST forecasts indicate ENSO-neutral conditions (Niño-3.4 index of -0.5°C to 0.5°C) will continue into the first half of 2009. Several models, including the NOAA Climate Forecast System (CFS), suggest the development of La Niña during December 2008- March 2009 (Fig. 5). The recent strengthening of the low-level easterlies over the equatorial Pacific suggests the possibility of additional anomalous cooling of the SSTs. However, the magnitude of cooling remains uncertain and it is possible the La Niña threshold will not be met (3-month average of the Niño-3.4 index less than or equal to -0.5°C). Therefore, based on current observations and recent trends, ENSO-neutral or La Niña conditions are equally likely through early 2009.
This discussion is a consolidated effort of the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), NOAA’s National Weather Service, and their funded institutions. Oceanic and atmospheric conditions are updated weekly on the Climate Prediction Center web
site (El Niño/La Niña Current
Conditions and Expert Discussions). Forecasts for the evolution of El Niño/La Niña are updated monthly in the
Forecast Forum section of CPC's Climate
Diagnostics Bulletin. The next ENSO Diagnostics Discussion is scheduled for 8 January 2009. To receive
an e-mail notification when the monthly ENSO Diagnostic Discussions are released, please send an e-mail message
to: ncep.list.enso-update@noaa.gov.
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