June 2024

Southern Annular Mode (SAM)

  • The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) index is currently neutral (as of 22 June 2024).
  • The green line shows the forecast ensemble mean of the SAM index during July (model run was 29 June 2024).
  • Historically SAM has had a greater influence on Australian rainfall patterns in winter compared to autumn.  In winter, a positive SAM typically decreases rainfall for parts of southern Australia and increases rainfall in parts of the east.

The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) refers to the north-south shift of rain-bearing westerly winds and weather systems in the Southern Ocean compared to their usual position. This indicator can be quite volatile and generally influences weather conditions on 1-to-3-week timescales.

Southern Annular Mode Daily Index and Forecast Summary
Sourced from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
Image for Southern Ocean (Southern Annular Mode – SAM)