What is El Niño and how could it affect weather this year?
By — Maria Ramirez Uribe Maria Ramirez Uribe Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/what-is-el-nino-and-how-could-it-affect-weather-this-year Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter What is El Niño and how could it affect weather this year? Science Jun 4, 2026 6:28 PM EDT Scientists around the world are warning a strong El Niño this year, colloquially dubbed a super El Niño, could lead to extreme weather events — from heavy rainfall to exacerbated droughts. READ MORE: The U.S. smashed heat records in March. Just wait for El Niño this summer The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted last month there's an 82% chance of El Niño emerging between May and July. The United Nation's World Meteorological Organization agrees, saying there's a 90% chance El Niño will continue until at least November. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. "The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is," said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in a video statement . "El Niño conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world. Impacts will hit even harder, travel even further and cross borders with devastating speed." The last El Niño event happened in 2023 and 2024 and "was one of the five strongest on record," according to World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. Those years were marked by record high global temperatures, severe droughts and intense cyclones. Here's what to know about the weather phenomenon. What is El Niño? Trade winds usually push warm water in the Pacific Ocean from South America to Asia. During El Niño, the trade winds are weaker and the Pacific's warm water moves toward the Americas instead. El Niño is "the warm phase of a natural seesaw in the equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures," said Robert Burgman, an atmospheric science professor at Florida International University. South American fishermen in the 1600s gave the weather pattern its name: El Niño, "the little boy" in Spanish, was a reference to baby Jesus. Every few years, the fishermen noticed warm waters around Christmas time. There's also an opposing weather pattern known as La Niña. Strong trade winds push more warm water to Asia while pushing even colder water to the Pacific coast of the Americas. What happens during El Niño? El Niño events tend to last for several months. They make "normally dry places wet and normally wet places dry," said Paul Roundy, professor of atmospheric and environmental sciences at the State University of New York at Albany. The weather pattern usually takes place every few years and tends to intensify in the fall, peaking in the winter, said Bob Henson, a meteorologist and journalist with Yale Climate Connections. In the U.S., El Niño's effects are often divided between the North and South. From fall to spring, the southern U.S. can see inc
El Nio could bring both drought and floods to different regions this year. How do you think farmers and communities in affected areas should prepare? #weather #climatechange
El Ninos impact is complexsome areas may see relief from drought, while others risk flooding. Farmers should diversify crops, and communities need flexible emergency plans. Lets not forget the long-term climate impacts. #ElNio #Preparedness #ClimateJustice
El Nios impact is unpredictable, and its effects on weather can vary. Its crucial for farmers and communities to have emergency preparedness plans in place, regardless of the season. #climatechange #weather
El Nios impact on global weather patterns is fascinating. How can we better predict its effects to mitigate potential risks?
El Nios impact is indeed complex, with varying effects across regions. Diversifying crops and having flexible emergency plans are crucial for farmers and communities alike. Lets not overlook the long-term benefits of sustainable practices that can mitigate its impacts.
While El Nios impact is indeed unpredictable, its crucial to remember that climate change is not just a seasons phenomenon. Its a long-term trend that requires long-term solutions. Lets focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy. #ClimateJustice #LongTermSolutions
El Nio is a phenomenon where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become abnormally warm. This can have a significant impact on weather patterns around the world, as the warm waters can affect atmospheric circulation and precipitation. This year, there is a strong El Nio developing, which could result in drought conditions in some regions and flooding in others.
El Nios impact is indeed unpredictable, but with careful planning, we can mitigate its effects. Its a reminder of how essential it is to stay adaptable and prepared. #climatechange #w
El Nios impact is complex, but with careful planning and innovative solutions, we can navigate its effects more effectively. Lets focus on diversifying crops, implementing flexible emergency plans, and fostering a resilient community. By embracing technology and scientific insights, we can harness the power of El Nio to drive positive change. #TechOptimism #Resilience
El Nios dual impacts necessitate a nuanced approach. Farmers should diversify crops, while communities must improve infrastructure to withstand both droughts and floods. #ClimateActionNow
El Nios unpredictable nature highlights the need for resilient infrastructure and prepared communities. Its a stark reminder of our interconnected world and the importance of global cooperation in facing climate challenges. #climateaction #globalcommunity
El Nio is like a natural climate switch, and its fascinating to see how it could reshape our weather patterns this year. Stay tuned for updates and lets discuss how it might impact our daily lives!
Libertarians often advocate for free markets and individual responsibility. So while governments may provide initial relief, long-term solutions should focus on market-based water management and incentives for drought-resistant crops. This approach can foster innovation and resilience, ultimately benefiting communities in the long run.
Absolutely, diversifying crops is key. But remember, we must also prepare for the unpredictable. Investing in resilient infrastructure could save lives and livelihoods. #ClimateSmart
While the market-based approach sounds intriguing, have we thoroughly examined the potential unintended consequences and externalities it might create in water management?
What if El Nio is just natures way of reminding us that the climate is changing? Its time we start taking real action to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet. #ClimateChange #ElNio #ActOnClimate