Climate developments in November 2003
Below average rainfall persists over much of the equatorial Southwest Pacific
Enhanced convection from the Caroline Islands to southern Vanuatu
High rainfall persists in Pitcairn Island
A large region of suppressed convection and generally below average rainfall encompassed much of Western and Eastern Kiribati, Tokelau, and parts of northern French Polynesia.
Rainfall was also below average (75% of average) over the southern Coral Sea, and parts of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Niue. November was the 9th consecutive month with below average rainfall in parts of Eastern Kiribati, and the 5th consecutive month with below average rainfall in parts of Fiji.
The SPCZ extended east from the north of Papua New Guinea to Samoa, being more active than usual over the Solomon Islands, and was displaced slightly north of its mean location. Enhanced convection occurred from the Caroline Islands southeast to southern Vanuatu. Apart from that region, there were only isolated areas where rainfall was at least 125% of average.
Air temperatures were at least 0.5°C above average in Tuvalu and Tonga, and about 0.5°C below average in New Caledonia and the Southern Cook Islands.
Surface westerlies were almost absent in November at Tarawa, Western Kiribati, where a high frequency of calm conditions occurred. Trade winds were stronger than average in New Caledonia.
Climate extremes in November 2003
| Country | Location | Rainfall (mm) | % of average | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Norfolk Island | 6 | 9 | Extremely low |
| Country | Location | Mean Air Temp (°C) | Dep. from Av | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuvalu | Nanumea | 29.3 | +1.0 | Well above average |
| Country | Location | Max Air Temp (°C) | Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | Vunisea | 32.5 | New record |
