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Monthly Archive | CLIMAS

Monthly Archive

El Niño Tracker - June 2015

Friday, June 19, 2015
Ben McMahan

Originally Published in the June 2015 CLIMAS SW Climate Outlook (SWCO)

El Niño conditions continued for a fourth straight month with no signs of weakening or disorganizing. Forecasts focused on the persistence of sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies (Figs.1 - 2) along with weakening trade winds, ongoing convective activity, and El Niño-related ocean-atmosphere coupling. Despite the high degree of uncertainty associated with forecasting El Niño this time of year (the so-called spring predictability barrier), the most recent outlooks from various sources offer a consistent cluster of forecasts calling for a clear El Niño signal that is maintained or even strengthening. (read more)


Image Source - Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Southwest Climate Outlook June 2015

Thursday, June 18, 2015
Ben McMahan

Originally Published in the June 2015 CLIMAS SW Climate Outlook (SWCO)

Precipitation: In the past 30 days, most of New Mexico and much of northern Arizona recorded well-above-average precipitation (Fig. 1).  Climatologically, we are in one of the drier times of year for the Southwest, so this precipitation and humidity (mostly tied to early season Pacific tropical storm activity) helped tamp down fire risk. This respite was short-term however, as water-year observations since October 1 reflect persistent and ongoing drought conditions, with most of the western U.S. recording well-below-average precipitation (Fig. 2).  Notable exceptions are New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, but with most recent precipitation falling on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. (read more)


Image Source - NOAA/NWS - Advance Hydrologic Prediction Service