Science Centres: Climate

The tropical Pacific is presently in an ENSO-neutral state, bordering on La Niña conditions. A La Niña is likely to be in place by September 2010. During July-September, mean sea level pressures are likely to be above normal over the North Island and to the north of the country, with stronger than average westerly flow over the South Island and south of the country.

 
Differences from average global sea surface temperatures for 30th May to 26th of June 2010. Map courtesy of NOAA Climate Diagnostics Centre (http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/map/images/sst/sst.anom.month.gif).

 

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). SOI mean values: June SOI +0.1; April to June average +0.9.

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

Sea surface temperatures

Sea surface temperatures are expected to be above average around New Zealand over the July-September period.