JMA monitors the present state of the global atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial climate system focusing on atmospheric circulation, convection, ocean conditions and snow/ice coverage based on numerical objective analyses and satellite observations. These monitoring results provide useful information for interpretation of the present climate including extreme events and long-term trends, and for long-range forecasts and scientific research.
Noting that homogeneous and consistent data is necessary for reliable monitoring of the global climate system, JMA conducted the Japanese Reanalysis Project (JRA-25) in cooperation with the Central Reasearch Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI). The project was completed in March 2006, and long-term, homogeneous global analysis data for the period 1979-2004 was finalized and released to users in July 2006. JMA has operated the JMA Climate Data Assimilation System (JCDAS), which is the same data assimilation system used in JRA project, on a near-real-time basis since March 2006.
In accordance with the revision of the climatological normal for climate system monitoring, all the analysis charts and monitoring indices concerned (e.g., 500-hPa geopotential height, outgoing longwave radiation and the Southern Oscillation index) were updated on 18 May 2011, using the new normal (i.e., the 1981 - 2010 average).
Notice: The provision of "Monthly Mean Data in ASCII format" will terminate in August 2012. Those who need such data are suggested to use "Monthly Mean Data in GRIB format".
Tokyo Climate Center, Climate Prediction Division, 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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