Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (summer 2000/01): a third successive positive phase of the Southern Oscillation continues

Southern hemisphere circulation patterns and associated anomalies for the austral summer (December to February) 2000/01 are reviewed, with emphasis given to the Pacific Basin climate indicators, and Australian rainfall and temperature patterns. During summer, the atmosphere showed clear signs of being in a positive phase of the Southern Oscillation, but the oceanic indicators did not mirror this to any great extent. The summer saw wet conditions across most of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and northern Queensland, but average to very much below rainfall across most of the rest of the country, particularly in those parts of southeastern Australia experiencing long-term rainfall deficiencies. Seasonal temperatures were below average across the northern half of the country, but generally above average in South Australia and the southeastern states. Heatwave conditions occurred across South Australia and New South Wales in January.