What is El Niño?
El Niño is a naturally-occurring climate phenomenon that develops in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It occurs when sea-surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific become significantly warmer than average. These changes alter atmospheric circulation patterns and can influence weather around the globe.
Although El Niño originates in the tropical Pacific, its effects are felt far beyond the region. Through interconnected atmospheric processes, it can influence rainfall, temperature and storm tracks across many parts of the world, affecting everything from agriculture and water resources to ecosystems and energy demand.
A truly unprecedented event
Professor Adam Scaife, Head of Long Range Prediction at the Met Office, said: “We have been signalling for months that the developing El Niño will be an unprecedented event. The fact that it has already exceeded previous records – with several weeks to go before it peaks later this year – shows the enormity of this El Niño. Scientists are still assessing whether the impacts will be in proportion to its magnitude, but we are already seeing expected effects worldwide.”
The extraordinary strength of the event highlights the importance of seasonal forecasting and ongoing international monitoring of the climate system as scientists work to understand the implications for the months ahead.