Great comment: "So, it appears the warm ocean is socially distant from its atmospheric dance partner." Good analysis in 1+2 the SST has become colder in the last few weeks. Your explanation comes OK. The upwelling west Galapagos is notorious and the tongue of colder water in the Ecuadorian coast also. Rain is generally suspended and in deficit by now, even though I deem there will be more rain later. Regards