During February-April 2024, the Pacific Niño sea-surface temperature (SST) index in the eastern Pacific (Niño 1+2) returned to near-normal. The other three indices in the central Pacific were above-normal, but they declined in their amplitude compared to the previous months. The observed SST conditions in the equatorial Pacific were characterized by a continued weakening of El Niño state. The observed Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) was above-normal. Both the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) and South Tropical Atlantic (STA) SST index were much above-normal and reflected widespread warmth in the tropical Atlantic. In general, the observed SST anomalies in global oceans were positive1.
Above-normal sea-surface temperature anomalies in the Niño 3.4 and Niño 3 regions are predicted to decline during June-August 2024, and possibly cool to weak La Niña conditions by late in 2024. Farther west in the Niño 4 region, the sea-surface temperature anomaly is predicted to be near-normal. The strength of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index is predicted to return to near normal. In the equatorial Atlantic, SSTs are predicted to be above-normal in both the northern (NTA) and the southern (STA) areas during the season.
Consistent with the anticipated persistence of widespread above-normal sea-surface temperatures in all areas outside of the near-equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean, there is widespread prediction of above-normal temperatures over almost all land areas. Exceptions to this widespread warmth are South America south of about 30º S, the southwestern coast of North America and in the vicinity of the Bering Sea. Extensive areas of large increases in probabilities for above-normal temperatures include almost all of Africa, and within about 45º N of the equator over Europe, andAsia, and within about 25º over Northern, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Australia, New Zealand, and most of the islands in the South Pacific have moderate to strongly increased probabilities for above-normal temperatures. North of about 60º N, North America, Europe and Asia have weak to moderately increased probabilities for above-normal temperature. South America south of about 30º S is the only extensive land area with no increase in the probability of above-normal temperature - there is no clear signal in this area. However, in coastal areas of southern South America and extending north along the west coast to just north of the equator and into the eastern Pacific below-normal temperatures are expected, consistent with the predicted emergence of La Niña conditions.
Predictions for rainfall are, in part, consistent with the canonical impacts of the early stages of La Niña conditions, which are expected to emerge mid-year. Below-normal rainfall is predicted over a narrow band along or just north of the equator from 150º E extending eastward to the southern region of Central America. There are additional bands of predicted dry conditions spanning the width of the Pacific at about 20º latitude in both Hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere band extends into north-western Central America and the south-western part of North America. The Southern Hemisphere band is more extensive, expanding over almost the entire South America south of the equator and then across the South Atlantic. Another dry area in the southern Atlantic crosses the southernmost part of Africa and covers Madagascar, terminating at about 60º E, but reappearing over the south-western and southern parts of the Maritime continent. There are separate patchy areas of predicted increased probabilities of below-normal rainfall over parts of Europe. Much of central and eastern Africa have increased probabilities for above-normal rainfall. This wet area expands over much of the Middle East and northern Indian Ocean and some parts of South Asia. It extends along the equator through the Maritime continent and then in a narrow band immediately south of the equator as far as the central Pacific. There are strong indications of above-normal rainfall in an area centred over the Caribbean extending westward into a small area of the eastern Pacific, and eastward to the southwest coast of Africa. Weakly enhanced probabilities for above-normal rainfall are also indicated over parts of East Asia, the east coast of North America, and Greenland, as well as over much of the Southern Ocean. However, most of Asia, Europe, North America, North and West Africa, Australia and New Zealand have no clear signal. Areas in Africa where normal rainfall is indicated as the most likely outcome are generally arid at this time of year.
