What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to assess climate conditions in the southern hemisphere during the summer of 1989-90, focusing on Australia.

February 5, 2026

Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (summer 1989-90): weak warming in the western equatorial Pacific and an inactive Australian monsoon

Key Points

This analysis aims to assess climate conditions in the southern hemisphere during the summer of 1989-90, focusing on Australia.
Examined circulation patterns from December 1989 to February 1990.
Analyzed climate indices including the Southern Oscillation Index and Walker Circulation.
Detailed the rainfall and temperature effects in the Australian region.
Identified a weak warming in the western equatorial Pacific indicative of a weak El Niño.
Observed a significant drop in the Southern Oscillation Index, associated with El Niño conditions.
Documented record low rainfall across northern and northeastern Australia during the period.

Abstract

A climate analysis is presented of the southern hemisphere circulation for the austral summer, December 1989 to February 1990, with a more detailed treatment of the Australian region. A weak warming in the western equatorial Pacific, a fall in the Southern Oscillation Index and shifts in other climate indices were indicative of a weak El Niño situation. Inactive monsoonal conditions in the Australian region were related to a split in the Walker Circulation, which was compatible with a weak El Niño situation. Record low rainfall occurred in extensive parts of north and northeast Australia for the three-month period. In mid-latitudes a strong four-wave planetary pattern was dominant and the polar vortex was weak.

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