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Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science SocietyJournal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science Society
A journal for meteorology, climate, oceanography, hydrology and space weather focused on the southern hemisphere
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Seasonal climate summary for the southern hemisphere (winter 2017): exceptionally warm days for Australia

David J. Martin A B and Skie Tobin A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Bureau of Meteorology, GPO Box 1289, Melbourne, Vic. 3001, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: david.martin2@bom.gov.au

Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science 69(1) 331-350 https://doi.org/10.1071/ES19012
Submitted: 6 August 2019  Accepted: 20 August 2019   Published: 11 June 2020

Journal Compilation © BoM 2019 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract

This is a summary of the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for austral winter 2017; an account of seasonal rainfall and temperature for the Australian region is also provided. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation was neutral during winter 2017, as was the Indian Ocean Dipole. A positive Southern Annular Mode influenced the climates of southern hemisphere countries at times during winter. Despite the lack of large-scale ocean influences, mean temperatures for the season were very much above average across large areas of Australia, New Zealand, southern Africa and South America. Precipitation during the season was below average across much of Australia, South Africa and western areas of Chile and Argentina, but above average in some southern and eastern areas of South America.


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