UAH (University of Alabama, Huntsville) Microwave Sounder Unit (MSU) lower troposphere global temperature anomaly data for August 2008 was published today and has moved a bit below the zero anomaly line, with a value of -0.010°C, down from 0.048°C in July 2008
The global UAH ∆T from July to August 2008 was .049°C and is 0.287°C cooler than in August 2007. It becomes the fourth time the UAH data has dipped below the zero anomaly line in 2008
UAH
2008 1 -0.046
2008 2 0.020
2008 3 0.094
2008 4 0.015
2008 5 -0.180
2008 6 -0.114
2008 7 0.048
2008 8 -0.010
Click for a larger image
Reference: UAH lower troposphere data
Mary…
It is true the oceans and thermocline circulation play a large role in climate…from the data I have seen (ARGO), though, it appears the oceans have cooled just a bit since 2002. So we shall see if that is a short term blip or the start of something bigger.
It definitely will be interesting to see what happens over the next year. If temperatures this winter (Nina or not) dip cooler than last winter, that to me will be a stronger sign that the -PDO and/or low solar activity is having a real effect on the climate.
The slight cooling of the upper oceans is interesting though its a shame their isn’t a similar scale of meaurements for below 2km under, it’s these deep sea currents that are the most interesting and arguably the most important long term. Still not convinced about the solar part of the story, I think Leif has shown that solar output is pretty much the same during high and low sunspot periods.
Interesting times though!