Monitoring the MJO this Autumn
/The chart below shows the MJO currently in Phase 3 in the Eastern Indian Ocean, then moving quickly towards the Maritime Continent north of Australia in Phase 4 then disappearing into the circle (weakening). Each global model has a different take on the behaviour of the MJO as it reaches Indonesia. Most of the action appears to be along the equator and further north through this weak and erratic MJO event.
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
