SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST)

La Niña remained at moderate strength through December 2007, with below-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) extending from 160ºE to the South American coast. All of the Niño region indices remained cooler than -1.0°C, with the NIÑO 3.4 and NIÑO 3 indices persisting near - 1.5°C. The upper-ocean heat content (average temperatures in the upper 300 m of the ocean) in the central and east central equatorial Pacific remained below average, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 5°C below average at thermocline depth.

The recent SST forecasts (dynamical and statistical models) for the NIÑO 3.4 region indicate a continuation of La Niña conditions into Northern Hemisphere spring 2008. Over half of the models predict a moderate strength La Niña to continue through February-April, followed by weaker La Niña conditions. Current atmospheric and oceanic conditions and recent trends are consistent with a likely continuation of La Niña into the Northern Hemisphere spring 2008.

Graphic from NOAA's U.S. Climate Prediction Center