Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (spring 1996): characteristics of a weak positive phase of the Southern Oscillation persist

Southern hemisphere circulation patterns and anomalies for spring (September to November) 1996 are reviewed, with emphasis given to the Pacific Basin climate indicators, and Australian rainfall and temperature patterns. In winter, characteristics associated with a weak positive phase of the Southern Oscillation were observed. These conditions persisted in spring and were reflected in the anomalous surface and subsurface temperature distribution and associated convective patterns across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. A change in the rainfall pattern over southern parts of the country during the spring months was associated with a significant increase in mean sea-level pressure anomalies over Australia between early and mid-spring.