The January 2018 solar cycle sunspot number is updated by NOAA/SWPC. The observed data identifies a persistent decline in activity and indicates entrance into the solar minima which on average occurs every 11 years. The entrance to solar minima is 1 year ahead of forecast. Implied is another potentially unusually lengthy solar minima as observed in 2008-2010.

Another exceptional climate event is forecast by operational meteorological models in 10 days as the strongest sudden stratospheric warming event of winter 2017-18 develops over Greenland. Due to the influence of climate change, this time the SSW event does not produce an arctic outbreak. Why?

The extended-range ENSO forecast is uncertain as models vary from sustained La Nina to a possible El Nino onset. Tracking the dynamics of the subsurface over the next 2-3 months is the best diagnostic to determine ENSO phase into mid-2018.

A massive area of tropical convection is forecast to organize north and northeast of Australia next week. Forecast models indicate widespread 12+ inches of rain within this massive area of thunderstorms. Australia will see at least some of that rain. Expect major influence on North America climate!