This manuscript is both clear and well-structured. The authors extend the stochastic skeleton model for the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) by incorporating realistic, time-dependent forcing derived from observational data. By combining a minimal nonlinear oscillator model with observation-based forcings, they achieve more accurate estimates of key MJO characteristics—such as lifetime, extent, and amplitude—compared to simpler, time-independent forcing approaches. This approach illustrates the model’s potential to capture essential large-scale features of the MJO.

I also appreciate the authors’ honesty regarding the model’s limitations, particularly its difficulty in reproducing the seasonality of MJO events and reflecting the differences in MJO characteristics under various ENSO conditions. They offer plausible explanations for these limitations in their discussion section, which underscores the transparency and rigor of their work.

I therefore recommend accepting this manuscript in its current form.

Please refer to the attached file.