Previous studies of the tropical troposphere indicate the presence of a 40 to 50 day oscillation in zonal winds. Spectral analysis of sea surface temperature reveals an increase in variance between 40 and 50 days along the California coast as far south as Santa Barbara (34.4N) and at least as far north as Pt. Arena (39N). Increases in the amplitude of this oscillation at 36N generally coincide with local El Nino warming episodes. It is suggested that the 40 to 50 day oscillation in sea surface temperature off central California may be related to the 40 to 50 day oscillation in the tropical troposphere through atmospheric teleconnections between the tropics and mid-latitudes. (Author)