Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (spring 2009): rapid intensification of El Niño, drier than average in northern and eastern Australia and warmer than average throughout

Abstract

Southern hemisphere circulation patterns and associated anomalies for the austral spring 2009 are reviewed, with emphasis given to the Pacific Basin climate indicates and Australian rainfall and temperature patterns. Spring 2009 confirmed the indications seen in winter 2009 of an emerging new El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Australian rainfall was below to very much below average across much of Queensland and the Northern Territory, and seasonal maximum temperatures were above to very much above average over most of the country. Seasonal minimum temperatures were above to very much above average over most of the southern half of the country.