SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST)

During June 2010, sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies continued to decrease across the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with negative anomalies expanding across the central and eastern Pacific. The subsurface heat content (average temperatures in the upper 300m of the ocean) also remained below-average during the month. Enhanced convection persisted over Indonesia, while the area of suppressed convection strengthened and expanded westward over the western and central equatorial Pacific. Enhanced low-level easterly trade winds and anomalous upper-level westerly winds prevailed over the western and central equatorial Pacific. Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies reflect developing La Niña conditions.

Graphics from NOAA's U.S. Climate Prediction Center