Monitoring the MJO this Autumn
/The chart below shows a weak pulse of the MJO in Phase 6 out in the Western Pacific Ocean. The last event didn’t result in any tangible difference in the climate apart from the very northern tips of Australia and parts of CQ. The high-pressure system camped over Australia’s interior kept most areas fine and mild. As the MJO moves back around to phases 8 etc. more likely we are to run into fine and clear conditions.
The Madden – Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a tropical disturbance that moves eastward around the global tropics every 30-60 days and has proven to influence rainfall and temperature conditions. The strength of the MJO may increase or decrease as it progresses eastwards, affecting the level of convection and influence on both precipitation and temperature. The diagram below is used by scientists to track the path of the MJO showing predicted dates through various phases (see December MJO explainer). A short YouTube cartoon explaining the MJO can be found here
