Science Centres: Climate

The equatorial Pacific ocean has moved into an El Niño state (with the atmosphere still to adjust), and El Niño conditions are likely to persist through the rest of 2009. Only weak impacts are expected over New Zealand in the coming three month season. In the New Zealand region over the three months August-October, mean sea level pressures are likely to transition towards El Niño-like conditions, with enhanced westerly winds at times.

Differences from average global sea surface temperatures for 28 June to 25 July 2009. Map courtesy of NOAA Climate Diagnostics Centre.

Monthly values of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), a measure of changes in atmospheric pressures across the Pacific, and the 3-month mean (black line). Estimated SOI mean values: July 0.2; May to July average -0.2. 

Differences from normal June surface temperatures in the seas around New Zealand. .

Sea surface temperatures

Sea surface temperatures near New Zealand are expected to be somewhat below average through August-October.