Global Highlights:
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The data presented in this report are preliminary. Ranks and anomalies may change as more complete data are received and processed. The most current data may be accessed via the Global Surface Temperature Anomalies page.
IntroductionThe October 2002 mean temperature was 2-4°C (3.6-7.2°F) below a 1968-1996 average across much of the central United States into southern Canada, most of northern Europe, and across parts of Mongolia and northeastern China as shown in the adjacent map of surface temperature anomalies estimated from the NCEP Reanalysis. Warmer than average temperatures occurred over Alaska, southern Brazil into northern Argentina and throughout much of southern Asia. The mean position of upper level ridges and troughs of low pressure (depicted by positive and negative 500 millibar height anomalies) are generally reflected by areas of positive and negative temperature anomalies at the surface, respectively. A belt of warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures persisted throughout the tropical Pacific during October, the signature of El Niño conditions. |
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October temperature anomalies calculated from the Global Historical Climatology Network data set of land surface stations using a 1961-1990 base period show below average temperatures of 2-5°C (3.6-9°F) across the Northern Plains of the United States and across areas of Scandinavia into northwest Russia. Much warmer than average temperatures (+2 to +5°C or +3.6 to +9°F) extended across high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, including Alaska and far northern Canada. Anomalous warmth also was noted across parts of southern Argentina and Brazil, as well as much of Australia. |
Temperature
October
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January-October
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Precipitation
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References:
Peterson, T.C. and R.S. Vose, 1997: An Overview of the Global
Historical Climatology Network Database. Bull. Amer. Meteorol.
Soc., 78, 2837-2849.