What is El Nino? Difference between El Nino and La Nina.
A “El Nino” refers to a specific climate pattern that occurs when the sea surface temperatures in the central-east equatorial Pacific Ocean reach at least 2°C or warmer. This warming leads to various weather patterns and impacts. For instance, classic El Nino events are known to produce stormy weather across the southern tier of the U.S., while the northern part of the country sees less rollercoaster-like conditions. It’s important to know that Super El Nino's are considered to be rare, as the world has only recorded three of these events since the 1950s. Despite their common appearance, El Nino events are not similar, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the weather patterns can lead to varying impacts. The El Nino oscillation cycle (ENSO) is divided into two: La Nina, when we experience extreme rainfall, and El Nino, when we experience extreme dry spells. The changes in temperature of the Pacific Ocean bring with it an immediate reaction. El Nino oc...