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Climate Information Digest
February 2004 Volume 7, Number 2

A global Quick Look at seasonal climate, its impacts and outlooks.

Hot Topics
  • 120,000 people affected by unusually heavy rainfall and flooding in Brazil; Abnormally wet conditions may continue in Nordeste

  • Destructive seasonal rainfall and flooding in the highlands of Peru and Bolivia

  • Drought conditions in Southern Africa are affecting crops and food security; Forecast indicates dry conditions may continue
  • El Niño/La Niña Update

    Although chances of El Niņo are slightly above their average, it is most likely that near-neutral conditions will continue through the first half of 2004. See the IRI ENSO QuickLook for summary information and the IRI ENSO Update for details.

    Contents
    Special Summaries for Nov-Dec-Jan - regions with enhanced sensitivity due to stress from persistent climate patterns.
       Persistent Cold or Heat
       Persistent Wet or Dry

    January Global Climate - summary of recent variations in temperature and precipitation. Note that all maps are linked to the IRI Data Library. For more maps and information see the IRI Maproom.
       Climatological Background
       Temperatures
       Precipitation
       Oceanic Conditions

    January Climate Impacts - influences of recent climate variations (with links to detailed reports) on:
       Hazards
       Health
       Water Resources/Energy
       Agriculture

    March-April-May Seasonal Forecast - IRI's Net Assessment Forecast for the globe and by region
       Introduction
       Precipitation
       Temperature 
       Methods

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