Climate Model Summary
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Average of international model outlooks for the Niño3.4 index
Average of international model outlooks for the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index
Dial details
The arrows on the dials indicate the combined average of monthly outlooks from a survey of international global climate models. Note that the individual model runs vary around the average.
The ENSO and IOD dials are calculated by simply averaging the ensemble means from all the models surveyed. Values are not representative of the potential spread of the forecast outcomes. Therefore, the dials are intended to be used as a quick reference to determine whether the models are showing a warming trend, a cooling trend, or neither. More information is provided in the graphs presented in other sections.
More information:
Niño3.4 covers the central Pacific region.
Niño3.4 multi-model forecast for the months ahead
Bar graph details
The graphs are based on the ensemble mean for the most recent model run.
These graphs show the average forecast value of Niño3.4 for each international model surveyed for the selected calendar month. If the bars on the graph are approaching or exceeding the blue dashed line, there is an increased risk of La Niña. Similarly, if the bars on the graph are approaching or exceeding the red dashed line, there is an increased chance of El Niño.
Niño3.4 recent observations and multi-model long-range forecast
Timeseries graph details
This timeseries graph shows recent monthly observations, as well as long-range forecasts for the Niño3.4 index from a range of international models. Monthly observations are from the OISSTv2 (1991-2020 base period) dataset, represented by the left side dashed line. Each coloured line to the right represents the ensemble mean forecast from nine international climate models including the Bureau's model. The graph is updated each month, with available data updated fortnightly.
More information:
IOD index multi-model forecast for the months ahead
Bar graph details
The graphs are based on the ensemble mean for the most recent model run.
These graphs show the average forecast value of the IOD index for each international model surveyed for the selected calendar month. If the majority of models are approaching or exceeding the blue dashed line, then there is an increased risk of a negative IOD event. If the majority of models are approaching or exceeding the red dashed line, then there is an increased risk of a positive IOD event.
More information:
Sea surface temperature graphs
Australian climate is influenced by sea surface temperature and atmospheric patterns in the Pacific, Indian and Southern ocean regions. Specific regions are monitored, as they can indicate the presence, or potential development, of ENSO (El Niño/La Niña), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phases and Southern Annular Modes. Pacific and Indian ocean indices are updated fortnightly, but the SAM index can change rapidly so it is updated daily. The first SAM button matches the Niño and IOD fortnightly issue date. During the following fortnight the 'Latest SAM' chart will diverge.
Niño34 predictions for the next 5 months
Niño34 probabilities
Product code: IDCK000073
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Model details
Model selection
All the models included in this page have been documented in the peer-reviewed international scientific literature and have skill in predicting El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean patterns. They are all coupled General Circulation Models, and hence simulate both atmospheric and oceanic processes using physics rather than statistics. Most have been run routinely for a number of years and are subject to regular revision and update with the aim of continuous improvement. They represent the state-of-the-art of climate prediction systems and offer useful guidance up to about nine months. The majority of models used in our survey are formally recognised by the World Meteorological Organization as Global Producing Centres for long-range forecasts.
All models use an ensemble method, where several forecasts are run at the same time using slightly different initial conditions. While all models use ensemble techniques, the number of ensembles differs for each model.
The data presented on these pages is the 'ensemble mean' which is the average of all the model-runs performed by each model, each month. The ensemble mean therefore flattens out the potential forecast outcomes and doesn't show the full spread of the possible forecast scenarios.
More information about these models
[an error occurred while processing this directive]The webpage
This webpage surveys the latest output from several reputable climate models developed at leading international climate agencies. Data from these models is analysed and displayed in graphs and dials to show how temperature patterns in the Indian and Pacific ocean are likely to change over the coming six-months. These patterns in the oceans have been shown to have a significant impact on Australian temperature and rainfall patterns (e.g. cooling of the tropical Pacific Ocean during La Niña events is typically associated with increased rainfall and cooler daytime temperatures in Australia).
When the models are in agreement, then there is higher confidence in the model outlooks. When the models are showing a large spread or large variety of outcomes, there is a larger amount of uncertainty associated with the forecast.
The models
All the models included in this page have been documented in the peer-reviewed international scientific literature and have skill in predicting El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean patterns. They are all coupled General Circulation Models, and hence simulate both atmospheric and oceanic processes using physics rather than statistics. Most have been run routinely for a number of years and are subject to regular revision and update with the aim of continuous improvement. They represent the state-of-the-art of climate prediction systems and offer useful guidance up to about nine months. The majority of models used in our survey are formally recognised by the World Meteorological Organization as Global Producing Centres for long-range forecasts.
Update schedule
The Climate Model Summary is updated on the 12th of each month (or the next working day following the 12th) when model data becomes available. Data for the Bureau's model, ACCESS–S, is updated fortnightly along with several other models that also provide more frequent updates during the month.
The ensemble technique
All models use an ensemble method, where several forecasts are run at the same time using slightly different initial conditions. While all models use ensemble techniques, the number of ensembles differs for each model.
Important note
The data presented on these pages is the 'ensemble mean' which is the average of all the model-runs performed by each model, each month. The ensemble mean therefore flattens out the potential forecast outcomes and doesn't show the full spread of the possible forecast scenarios.
The dials
The ENSO and IOD dials (from the Overview section) are calculated by simply averaging the ensemble means from all the models surveyed. Values are not representative of the potential spread of the forecast outcomes. Therefore, the dials are intended to be used as a quick reference to determine whether the models are showing a warming trend, a cooling trend, or neither. More information is provided in the graphs presented in other sections.
Background information
Related sites
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History
Model data are provided for Bureau of Meteorology use by the agencies detailed in Model Summary – Models. Respective agency copyright applies to these data.
Models indicate La Niña to ease in early 2023
La Niña continues in the tropical Pacific but has weakened from its peak, and recent observations and model outlooks indicate this event is easing. All models indicate a return to neutral NINO3.4 index values during February 2023. La Niña typically increases the chance of above average summer rainfall in eastern and northern Australia.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is neutral. The IOD has little influence on Australian climate while the monsoon trough is in the southern hemisphere (typically December to April).
NINO3.4 outlook
La Niña remains active, but is likely past its peak. Recent observations and model outlooks indicate this event is easing. The Bureau's latest weekly NINO3.4 value to 15 January 2023 was −0.6 °C, which is outside La Niña thresholds (−0.8 °C and cooler).
All surveyed climate models indicate sea surface temperatures in the central tropical Pacific (NINO3.4) will return to ENSO-neutral by February 2023 and remain at neutral levels until at least the end of the southern hemisphere autumn. Model accuracy is generally lower at this time of year than at other times, therefore, outlooks through and beyond autumn should be viewed with caution.
ENSO events typically peak in late (southern hemisphere) summer and decay during the autumn; the current outlooks indicate this La Niña event will decay slightly earlier than usual. La Niña events typically increase the chance of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during summer. When ENSO is neutral, there is typically little influence on Australian climate patterns from the Pacific Ocean.
Persistent NINO3.4 values above +0.8 °C typically indicate El Niño, while values below −0.8 °C typically indicate La Niña.
Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) outlook
The IOD is neutral. The latest IOD index value for the week ending 15 January 2023 was +0.0 °C. All models indicate the IOD will remain neutral for next three months, February to April.
IOD events are typically unable to form between December and April, while the monsoon trough is in the southern hemisphere. This is due to the monsoon trough's influence on local wind patterns. As a result, the IOD has little effect on Australian climate at this time of year.
A couple of models indicate the possibility of a positive IOD event in early winter. A positive IOD often results in less winter and spring rainfall across much of Australia. Model accuracy is generally lower at this time of year than at other times, therefore, outlooks through and beyond autumn should be viewed with caution.
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Australian Community Climate Earth-System Simulator–Seasonal (ACCESS–S)
The Bureau of Meteorology's climate model generates a six-month forecast for NINO and IOD indices each fortnight.
The latest model run (generated 14 January 2023) indicates sea surface temperatures in the central tropical Pacific (NINO3.4) are likely to continue to warm during February and throughout the outlook period but remain in the neutral range until at least May. Model accuracy is generally lower at this time of year than at other times, therefore, outlooks through and beyond autumn should be viewed with caution.
For the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), the Bureau's model indicates IOD index values are likely to remain neutral throughout the outlook period. Model accuracy is generally lower at this time of year than at other times, therefore, outlooks through and beyond autumn should be viewed with caution. The IOD typically has little impact on Australian climate from December to April, while the monsoon trough is in the southern hemisphere. The forecast values, shown below in bold, are for the model's ensemble mean.
Product code: IDCKGL0000
Unless otherwise noted, all maps, graphs and diagrams in this page are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence
