Tropical Highlights - April 2026

 

During April 2026, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were near average in the east-central equatorial Pacific (Fig. T18). The depth of the oceanic thermocline (measured by the depth of the 20C isotherm) was above-average across the equatorial Pacific (Figs. T15, T16). The corresponding sub-surface temperatures were 1-7C above-average across equatorial Pacific (Fig. T17).

 

The lower-level wind anomalies were westerly over the western equatorial Pacific while the upper-level wind anomalies were westerly over the eastern equatorial Pacific (Table T1, Figs. T20, T21). Tropical convection was near average over the Date Line and suppressed over Indonesia (Fig. T25). Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies were consistent with ENSO-neutral conditions.

 

For the latest status of the ENSO cycle see the ENSO Diagnostic Discussion at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/index.html