Seasonal climate summary southern hemisphere (winter 2000): a near-neutralENSO phase in the Pacific

Southern hemisphere circulation patterns and anomalies for winter 2000 (Jun e-August) are reviewed, with emphasis given to the tropical Pacific and the Australian region. The declining strength of ENSO indicators observed duri ng autumn 2000, continued into winter with most indices in the neutral rang e. A strong three-wave pattern dominated the middle to high latitude circul ation around the hemisphere, with higher than average atmospheric pressure observed over most of Australia. Consistent with this were below average ra infall totals and minimum temperatures, and above normal maximum temperatur es.