Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (summer 1996/97) : a weak positive phase of the Southern Oscillation (La Niña) reaches its peak

Southern hemisphere circulation patterns and anomalies for summer (December-February) 1996/97 are reviewed, with emphasis given to Pacific basin climate indicators and Australian rainfall and temperature patterns. Weak positive phase conditions which had persisted during winter and spring reached a peak in terms of Pacific basin indicators during the summer period, and average to above average rainfall across much of Australia was associated with an active monsoon. Temperatures tended to be below normal across the north of the country and above normal in southern areas, particularly in the second half of the season which was abnormally hot.