Global Settings - April 2009
Pacific Ocean temperatures are slightly above normal near the South American coast and in the area west of the Date Line. However, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation is considered to be in a neutral state and is likely to remain this way through to the end of 2009.
Differences from average global sea surface temperatures for 26 April to 25 May 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). SOI mean values: April +1.0; February to April average +0.7.
Differences from normal April surface temperatures in the seas around New Zealand.
Sea surface temperatures
Sea surface temperatures On average, sea surface temperatures around New Zealand were slightly above normal in April. SST anomalies were generally positive in the Tasman Sea, but negative east of the country, especially off the South Island. Average to above average temperatures are expected over the next three months.