An overview of the present climate in the tropical South Pacific Islands, with an outlook for the coming months, to assist in dissemination of climate information in the Pacific region.
Number 47 – 6 August 2004
July’s climate: The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) extended from the Solomon Islands to the Marquesas Islands; with high rainfall occurring in some of these areas, High rainfall, exceeding 100 mm occurred in parts of Fiji on 23 July, Suppressed convection occurred over Papua New Guinea and low rainfall occurred in parts of New Caledonia and Queensland, Australia, Equatorial westerly wind bursts lasted until 20 July
ENSO and sea surface temperatures (SST): The tropical Pacific continues in a near neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) state with the July Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) being -0.7, July sea surface temperatures (SST) were more than 1°C above normal near the Date Line
Forecast validation: How well are we doing with our predictions?
Three-month outlook: Enhanced convection is likely in the tropical Pacific, with above average rainfall forecast for Eastern and Western Kiribati, Rainfall is expected to be near average or below average for Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji
Feature article: The South Pacific Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project.
Sources of South Pacific rainfall data.
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