Intensity of climate variability derived from the satellite and MERRA reanalysis temperatures: AO, ENSO, and QBO

► Relative influence of AO, ENSO and QBO derived from satellite and MERRA temperatures. ► Tropospheric temperature in mid-latitude is linked to primarily AO and next to ENSO. ► Low stratospheric temperature in mid-latitude is mainly associated with ENSO and QBO. ► Tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling are more remarkable in recent decade. ► More vigorous and localized ENSO events in recent decade, consistent with zonal wind.