NOAA’s multivariate ENSO index (MEI) changed its data input from the Japanese Meteorological Agency’s JRA-55 reanalysis dataset to JRA-3Q as of January 2024. However, the data has not been attainable since May although NOAA claims the data is available (although hard to decipher with the government shutdown). MEI is a handy climate diagnostic identifying the atmospheric reaction to the SSTA/SLPA pattern across the Pacific tropics/subtropics.

The latest marine heatwave report identifies many large episodes in the northern hemisphere, common during early autumn in the current decadal pattern. Strongest marine heatwaves are off the East Asia Coast, Central Pacific, and off the Northwest Eurasia Coast. The "warm blob" in the Northeast Pacific during late summer has rapidly weakened during the past several weeks. Southern hemisphere marine heatwaves will strengthen as summertime arrives.