When it comes down to it, the only metric showing a strong Nino is the ONI. Every other metric would have you believe this is a weak to moderate Nino. Even the long streak of negative SOI only has the 90 day average at -11 so while the streak is impressive, the average is not in “strong Nino” territory. The underlying ocean warming has to be playing a role in distorting( if that’s the right word I’m looking for) the look of this event.