What is an El Niño, Anyway?

An El Niño is a temporary change in the climate of the Pacific ocean near the equator. The ocean surface water warms up. At the same time, the place where big thunderstorms usually occur on the equator, moves eastward toward the United States.

North America South America Asia Australia Pacific Ocean

What causes an El Niño?

Usually, the wind blows strongly from east to west along the equator Usually, the wind blows strongly from east to west along the equator. This pushes warm surface water toward Asia, and cold, deep water gets pulled up from below near the U.S. So normally there is warm water near Asia, cold water near the Americas. West East

Normal Ocean Conditions Asia North America Warm Cold Pacific Ocean South America Australia Normal Ocean Conditions

In an El Niño, the winds pushing the water around get weaker, and the warm water near Asia moves back toward the Americas. The cold water sinks, and the warm water floats making the surface water warmer.

Normal Ocean Conditions North America South America Asia Australia Pacific Ocean Warm Normal Ocean Conditions

What effect does an El Niño have?

Ocean Currents Affect The Weather Near Them! What type of weather do you think a warm El Niño brings with it to North and South America?

A strong El Niño brings wet weather to North and South America Avalanche in Peru Flooding in Colorado

How did El Niño get it’s name?

Almost five hundred years ago, fishermen in South America noticed that every few years, the water became warm around Christmas time. This warmer-than-usual water was not very good for fishing. They named this pattern "El Niño," for the Christ Child, whose birth they celebrated on Christmas day.