Current approaches to seasonal-to-interannual climate predictions

This review paper presents an assessment of the current state of knowledge and capability in seasonal climate prediction at the end of the 20th centur y. The discussion covers the full range of issues involved in climate forec asting, including (1) the theory and empirical evidence for predictability; (2) predictions of surface boundary conditions, such as sea surface temper atures (SSTs) that drive the predictable part of the climate; (3) predictio ns of the climate; and (4) a brief consideration of the application of clim ate forecasts. Within this context, the research of the coming decades that seeks to address shortcomings in each area is described. Copyright (C) 200 1 Royal Meteorological Society.