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.
Introduction
The September 2003 mean temperature was above the 1988-2002 average across eastern Canada, Europe, Russia and Morocco as shown in the adjacent map of blended satellite and in situ data. Cooler than average temperatures occurred over the central portion of India, Alaska and the U.S.Ohio Valley. The mean position of upper level ridges of high pressure 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. For all Global map products see the Climate Monitoring Products page. | larger image |
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September temperature anomalies calculated from the Global Historical Climatology Network data set of land surface stations (using a 1961-1990 base period) also show above average temperatures throughout Russia, the western U.S. and much of Asia. Monthly temperatures were 3-5°C (5.4-9°F) above the mean in many of these areas. Cooler than average temperatures were present throughout Mexico, the central Great Plains of the U.S. and parts of South Africa where monthly temperatures were as much as 2-4°C (3.6-7.2°F) below average. |
Temperature
September
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January-September
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Precipitation
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ENSO SST Analysis
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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.