The Ocean's Impact on Weather

El Niño & La Niña Explained

27th February, 2024

ANUPA MUKHERJEE

El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a natural climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ● They have far-reaching effects on weather patterns worldwide.

El Niño and La Niña: Two Sides of the Same Coin

○ Increased rain over the Americas in the Eastern Pacific central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean are warmer than average. ● This disrupts normal wind and rainfall patterns. ● Typical Effects Include: Increased rain over the Americas in the Eastern Pacific Drier conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia This can lead to more hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific

● La Niña involves cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the same Pacific region. ● It often intensifies normal wind and weather patterns. ● Typical Effects Include: Drier conditions in the America Wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia This can lead to more hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean

Similarities between El Niño and La Niña

● Both are natural climate patterns, not caused by human activity. ●  Both can last for several months to a couple of years. ●  Both affect weather patterns across the globe. The ever-present blue vastness of the North Atlantic Ocean frames the vivid yellow and black. ● The contrast between the three colors is genuinely awe-inspiring.

Why It Matters 

● Improve weather forecast ● Prepare for potential natural disasters like floods or drought ● Manage agriculture and water resource