Australia's highly variable climate is shaped by climate drivers which may influence us on time scales of weeks to months.
The El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, is a vital element of Australia's climate, representing a natural oscillation in the Pacific Ocean temperatures, wind and cloud. These oscillations between El Niño, and its opposite phase La Niña, are often the driving force behind extreme weather patterns, from searing droughts to devastating floods.
As we look to the west, we encounter the Indian Ocean Dipole, or IOD. This climate driver refers to the yearly fluctuations of tropical sea temperatures in the Indian Ocean, which can significantly impact agriculture by altering winter and spring rainfall levels. ENSO and IOD function as seasonal drivers lasting for months at a time, but there are also shorter-term climate drivers whose effects can be observed over days and weeks.
The Southern Annular Mode, or SAM, is a prominent example. SAM involves the north-south movement of westerly winds between Australia and Antarctica, often associated with storms and cold fronts that bring rainfall to southern Australia.
Another significant climate driver is the Madden–Julian Oscillation, or MJO, which influences weather in Australia's tropical north. The MJO is an eastward moving 'pulse' of cloud and rainfall near the equator, affecting the timing, development and strength of the Australian monsoon. During certain phases of a strong MJO, tropical cyclones are more likely to form.
The complex interactions among these climate drivers ensures that no two climate events or their impacts are identical. Understanding these key Australian climate drivers can help you make smarter decisions. For comprehensive insights and further information, don't hesitate to visit bom.gov.au/climate/
The El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, is a vital element of Australia's climate, representing a natural oscillation in the Pacific Ocean temperatures, wind and cloud. These oscillations between El Niño, and its opposite phase La Niña, are often the driving force behind extreme weather patterns, from searing droughts to devastating floods.
As we look to the west, we encounter the Indian Ocean Dipole, or IOD. This climate driver refers to the yearly fluctuations of tropical sea temperatures in the Indian Ocean, which can significantly impact agriculture by altering winter and spring rainfall levels. ENSO and IOD function as seasonal drivers lasting for months at a time, but there are also shorter-term climate drivers whose effects can be observed over days and weeks.
The Southern Annular Mode, or SAM, is a prominent example. SAM involves the north-south movement of westerly winds between Australia and Antarctica, often associated with storms and cold fronts that bring rainfall to southern Australia.
Another significant climate driver is the Madden–Julian Oscillation, or MJO, which influences weather in Australia's tropical north. The MJO is an eastward moving 'pulse' of cloud and rainfall near the equator, affecting the timing, development and strength of the Australian monsoon. During certain phases of a strong MJO, tropical cyclones are more likely to form.
The complex interactions among these climate drivers ensures that no two climate events or their impacts are identical. Understanding these key Australian climate drivers can help you make smarter decisions. For comprehensive insights and further information, don't hesitate to visit bom.gov.au/climate/
Australian climate drivers
What climate drivers influence our weather? Learn more about the impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole, La Niña and the Southern Annular Mode.