When was the last cold winter season in Europe? Sprawling meteorological winter (DEC/JAN/FEB) cold was last observed during winter 2012-13. Since that time, 8 of 10 winter seasons have been warmer than normal across Europe. During the past 30 years, 7 widespread cold winter seasons have been observed clustering in the mid-to-late 1990’s and in the 2008-2013 period.

The Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI.v2) and the Niño 3.4 Index value are two (of many) indices used to monitor the behavior and evolution of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).  However, these two indices cannot be used as an apples-to-apples comparison. Both are distinctly different from each other in spatial resolution, temporal resolution and ocean-atmospheric variables considered in the computation of the indices.

Currently, Climate Impact Company is monitoring 8 marine heat waves (MHW). Most prominent is MHW NEP23A in the Northeast Pacific. The core of MHW NEP23A has strengthened to the north of Hawaii. However, the eastward extension to the West Coast of North America earlier during summer 2023 is now weakening.

The latest seasonal totals so far assembled by Colorado State University (CSU) indicates 11 tropical storms have formed with 3 reaching hurricane strength including 2 major hurricanes. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index is 48.6 compared to the normal value for this date of 36.3. Using the ACE index, the 2023 season so far is judged about 33% more intense than normal.