Simulations obtained with a three dimensional primitive equation model in the tropical Atlantic ocean are compared with observations made during the FOCAL and SEQUAL experiments in 1984. In many respects the results are encouraging; notably, the most characteristic aspects of the 1984 warm event are correctly represented by the simulations. As part of the TOGA program, it is planned to run such a model operationally in the tropical Atlantic ocean. An improvement in the simulation is expected from a regular reinitialization of the model using observations. The quality of the forcing functions, especially the wind stress, will be improved by using a high frequency wind field provided operationally by the European Center for Medium range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF). ¿ American Geophysical Union 1988