Obtaining consistent results from data records that span multiple types of observing systems has been challenging, limiting our ability to use the observations and realize their full value.

El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-driven variations in sea surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific play a major role in seasonal rainfall changes in the United States and in driving weather and climate around the world. However, little is known about how ENSO will respond to anthropogenic changes in Earth’s climate.

Researchers from NOAA and the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, funded by CPO's Climate Observations and Monitoring Program, have greater confidence that warming surface temperatures and increasing tropical cyclone intensity appear to go hand-in-hand.

Observations, in combination with models, are important for better understanding processes driving regional extreme heat events.

Using climate projections to assess climate change risks remains challenging, in part due to the large associated uncertainties, such as those for extreme events.