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I'm not an expert on the PDO, but yes, researchers have shown that the PDO is based on different processes.  A primary driver is ENSO, however (paper).  So, for the CONUS impacts, the best predictor to examine for seasonal temperature and precipitation is ENSO.  Even the local impacts along the U.S. West coast this past El Nino event were quite warm despite the negative PDO state (which would have contributed to cooling had that factor dominated).  Here is the blog post that mentions the Hadley circulation.  Thanks!