Highlights

• In 2020, La Niña development brought the focus back to the Pacific:
  • Wetter than normal conditions were observed over much of Southeast Asia in the second half of 2020, in line with expectations for a La Niña event. 
  • Severe rainfall events occurred in Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. For the Philippines, many of these events were associated with tropical cyclones. 
  • The dry season for the southern ASEAN region experienced a late onset; the wetter than normal weather contributed in part to subdued hotspot activities in 2020. 
  • The current La Niña conditions are predicted to transition to ENSO neutral conditions by the middle of 2021.
• Beyond the Pacific Ocean:
  • The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has been, and is expected to continue in its neutral phase until the middle of 2021.
  • The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) interacted with the ongoing La Niña event, contributing to severe rainfall events by promoting tropical cyclogenesis and enhancing convective rainfall.
• ASMC continues to build regional capabilities via online channels:
  • A webinar on fire and smoke haze monitoring for the northern ASEAN region was held in January 2021.
  • The ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum (ASEANCOF) transitioned to an online format in its 15th session.