The solar maxima for cycle 25 has (apparently) passed although double (maxima) spikes during the last 2 solar maxima suggest another spike in solar activity is possible before a new solar cycle (26) initiates.

During Q4/2024 and Q1/2025 the Madden Julian oscillation (MJO) was active. Another weak-to-moderate wave of the convection phase of MJO is forecast into the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean over the next 2 weeks.

Weak or non-existent trade winds to up-well cool waters are starting to regenerate as the southern oscillation index (SOI) shifts to a mostly positive phase during the past 30 days.

A cold north to northeast wind has brought rain and snow to New England this weekend thanks to an offshore storm system made colder by the frigid counter-current to the warm Gulf Stream east and southeast of New England.