Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (summer 2013-14): warmer than average summer; neutral ENSO conditions

Abstract

Southern hemisphere circulation patterns and associated anomalies for the austral summer 2013–14 are reviewed, with emphasis given to the Pacific Basic climate indicators and Australian rainfall and temperature patterns. Near neutral Pacific indicators persisted during summer. Sea surface temperatures were slightly warmer than average in the equatorial western Pacific while there were cooler than average temperatures over the eastern Pacific. Above average sea surface temperatures were recorded in the eastern Indian Ocean off Western Australia and along the southern coast of Australia. The Indian Ocean Dipole remained at a neutral phase following the neutral spring values. The SAM was mildly negative but well within neutral range for summer. Summer rainfall was above average for Australia as a whole, though there was a distinct difference between rainfall received in the west and east. Rainfall was above average across most of far northern Australia, the western half of Australia except for southwest Western Australia, and southern South Australia. Rainfall was below average for most of Tasmania, Victoria and the eastern halves of New South Wales and Queensland. Areas in northeastern New South Wales and southeast Queensland had their lowest summer rainfall on record. Maximum and minimum temperatures were both above average, with several periods of exceptionally hot weather recorded during summer.