El Niño Impacts on Seasonal U.S. Atmospheric Circulation, Temperature, and Precipitation Anomalies: The OLR-Event Perspective

Andrew M. Chiodi Joint Institute for the Study of the Ocean and Atmosphere, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

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Don E. Harrison NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Seattle, Washington

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Abstract

This study shows that, since 1979 when outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) observations became reliably available, most of the useful U.S. seasonal weather impact of El Niño events is associated with the few events identified by the behavior of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) over the eastern equatorial Pacific (“OLR–El Niño events”). These events produce composite seasonal regional weather anomalies that are 95% statistically significant and robust (associated with almost all events). Results also show that there are very few statistically significant seasonal weather anomalies, even at the 80% level, associated with the non-OLR–El Niño events. A major enhancement of statistical seasonal forecasting skill over the contiguous United States appears possible by incorporating these results. It is essential to respect that not all events commonly labeled as El Niño events lead to statistically useful U.S. seasonal forecast skill.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Contribution Number 2050 and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Contribution Number 3281.

Corresponding author address: Andrew Chiodi, JISAO, University of Washington, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. E-mail: andy.chiodi@noaa.gov

Abstract

This study shows that, since 1979 when outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) observations became reliably available, most of the useful U.S. seasonal weather impact of El Niño events is associated with the few events identified by the behavior of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) over the eastern equatorial Pacific (“OLR–El Niño events”). These events produce composite seasonal regional weather anomalies that are 95% statistically significant and robust (associated with almost all events). Results also show that there are very few statistically significant seasonal weather anomalies, even at the 80% level, associated with the non-OLR–El Niño events. A major enhancement of statistical seasonal forecasting skill over the contiguous United States appears possible by incorporating these results. It is essential to respect that not all events commonly labeled as El Niño events lead to statistically useful U.S. seasonal forecast skill.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Contribution Number 2050 and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Contribution Number 3281.

Corresponding author address: Andrew Chiodi, JISAO, University of Washington, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. E-mail: andy.chiodi@noaa.gov
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