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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate of 1998 Annual Review: Global Regional and Seasonal Topics National Climatic Data Center January 12,1999

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Return to 1998 Overview Detailed Reports and Images . . . Global Temperature Global Precipitation Regional and Seasonal Variations in Global Temperature and Precipitation Annual U.S. National Perspective Month by Month U.S. National Perspective Annual U.S. Regional Perspective Extreme Events 1998 Monthly Reports

During the first half of 1998, northern Argentina and the surrounding countries were dominated by maritime air. This flow brought excessive cloud cover, rainfall and cool temperatures to the area. North and south of this region it was drier than normal.

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During the first half of the year, equatorial East Africa received an unusual flow of maritime air off the Indian Ocean. This weather pattern produced widespread cloud cover and unusually cool surface temperatures for the region.

Northern Asia received cooler than usual temperatures and an early snow cover in September and October 1998, due to the circulation pattern around the Northern Hemisphere which supported a flow of cold air from the polar region. This circulation is thought to be associated with natural variability, and not attributed to the current La Niña conditions.

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The severe cold snowy conditions spread south and westward during the month of November. It was unusually cold throughout Europe and northern Africa. The snow covered most of Europe at this time, including the Mediterranean nations, which is a rare event, particularly in November. In the United States, snow cover occurred later than usual over the eastern half of the country, as the region experienced extremely warm temperatures during autumn. However, during the last weeks of the year, frigid arctic air moved into the region, accompanied by extensive snow cover. By the year's end, the snow cover extended into the Ohio Valley and the Central Appalachian mountains.

During much of 1998, sections of northern Argentina, Uruguay, and southeastern Brazil received above normal rainfall.

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Excessive rainfall in central China caused widespread flooding, particularly along the Yangtze River. The flooding reached a maximum in late summer and cause extensive damage and loss of life.

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In Indonesia, severe drought conditions continued through early 1998, typical of El Niño conditions. Above normal rainfall over parts of India and Bangladesh early in 1998 was followed by a late start to the summer monsoon. By late summer, seasonal monsoon rainfall was augmented by a tropical storm in the Bay of Bengal. Flooding occurred along the Ganges River and the lowland areas of Bangladesh. Dry conditions characterized the watersheds of the Indus and Mekong Rivers.

Although rainfall began later than normal in parts of the African Sahel, widepread above normal rainfall late in the season characterized much of the region.

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References:

Basist, A., N.C. Grody, T.C. Peterson and C.N. Williams, 1998: Using the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager to Monitor Land Surface Temperatures, Wetness, and Snow Cover. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 37, 888-911.

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For further information, contact:

Mike Changery
NOAA/National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
fax: 828-271-4328
email: mchangry@ncdc.noaa.gov

David Easterling
NOAA/National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
fax: 828-271-4328
email: david.easterling@noaa.gov

Rob Quayle
NOAA/National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
fax: 828-271-4328
email: rquayle@ncdc.noaa.gov

NCDC / Climate Resources / Climate of 1998 / Annual / Global Topics / Search / Help