El Niño

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon occurs irregularly, typically every two to seven years, and can last for several months to over a year. El Niño has significant impacts on global weather and climate, influencing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and storm activity in various regions.

During an El Niño event, the usual trade winds weaken, leading to warmer waters that can cause enhanced precipitation and flooding in some areas, while contributing to droughts in others. The effects extend beyond the Pacific, affecting weather in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. El Niño is part of a larger climate cycle known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which also includes its cooler counterpart, La Niña. Understanding El Niño is crucial for predicting weather-related events and for preparing for its wide-ranging effects on the environment and human activities.