Seasonal climate summary for the southern hemisphere (spring 2017): equal-fifth warmest spring on record, with rainfall mixed

Abstract

This is a summary of the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for spring 2017; an account of seasonal rainfall and temperature for the Australian region and the broader southern hemisphere is also provided. The tropical Pacific Ocean cooled from mid-winter, with an unusually late La Niña becoming established by the end of spring. Spring was the equal-fifth warmest on record, in terms of area-averaged national mean temperature, and was characterised by exceptional September warmth over eastern Australia, while rainfall was mixed geographically and from month-to-month, but below average overall.

Keywords

• Antarctica
• Australia
• climate
• climate drivers
• ENSO
• IOD