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Summary of ENSO Model Forecasts

20 June 2007

> Note on interpreting model forecasts
> Figure of Nino3.4 SST forecasts
> Table of Nino3.4 SST forecasts
> Discussion of current forecasts
> Summary of forecasts, last 22 months
> Individual Model View, last 22 months
> Additional information on models
> Notes on the data

Note on interpreting model forecasts

The following graph and table show forecasts made by dynamical and statistical models for SST in the Nino 3.4 region for nine overlapping 3-month periods. Note that the expected skills of the models, based on historical performance, are not equal to one another. The skills also generally decrease as the lead time increases. Thirdly, forecasts made at some times of the year generally have higher skill than forecasts made at other times of the year--namely, they are better when made between June and December than when they are made between February and May. Differences among the forecasts of the models reflect both differences in model design, and actual uncertainty in the forecast of the possible future SST scenario.

Table 1. Forecast SST Anomalies (deg C) in the Nino 3.4 Region

  Seasons (2007-2008)
Model JJA JAS ASO SON OND NDJ DJF JFM FMA
Dynamical models
Average, dynamical models