A real-time global sea surface temperature (SST) analysis has been developed by Richard Reynolds from the Climate Modeleling Branch of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). A monthly one degree global SST climatology was constructed. This climatology was derived from monthly optimum interpolation (OI) SST analyses with an adjusted base period of 1950-79. The areal coverage is roughly between 40S and 60N globally. These analyses were based on ship and buoy SST data supplemented by satellite SST retrievals. In addition, SST climatology was derived from monthly analyses using sea-ice coverage data over a 12-year period (1982-93). The one degree climatology resolves equatorial upwelling and fronts.

The optimum interpolation (OI) SST analysis is produced weekly on a one-degree grid. The analysis uses buoy and ship data, satellite SST data, and SST's simulated by sea-ice coverage. Before the analysis is computed, the satellite data is adjusted for biases using the method described by Reynolds (1988) and Reynolds and Marsico 1993). A description of the analysis can be found in Reynolds and Smith (1994).

The Tropical Prediction Center (TPC)/National Hurricane Center (NHC) uses the SST analyses in forecasting tropical cyclones. Every Monday or Tuesday the graphics are updated for the previous week. The SST analyses are separated into Pacific and Atlantic domains. In each domain, an analysis and anomaly chart exist. The analysis chart contains the current SST comprised from current observations. The anomaly chart is the global SST climatology subtracted from the SST analysis.

For further explanation refer to:

Reynolds, R. W., 1988: A real-time global sea surface temperature analysis. J. Climate, 1, 75-86.

Reynolds, R. W. and D. C. Marsico, 1993: An improved real-time global sea surface temperature analysis. J. Climate, 6, 114-119.

Reynolds, R. W. and T. M. Smith, 1994: Improved global sea surface temperature analyses using optimum interpolation. J. Climate, 7, 929-948.

ATLANTIC SST:

Atlantic SST Analysis (.GIF)

Atlantic SST Anomaly (.GIF)

Pacific SST Analysis (.GIF)

Pacific SST Anomaly (.GIF)

Comments and questions about these graphics should be addressed to: