An El Niño is likely to form this year along the equator in the Pacific Ocean, and it's anticipated to be severe. For the past three years, La Niña had taken over, cooling the ocean temperatures. Now that it's over, an El Niño may take its place.
The onset of an El Niño event in the equatorial Pacific Ocean can have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the oceanic and atmospheric conditions in that region. The occurrence of El Niño often brings about significant changes in global weather patterns, including the potential to influence the Atlantic hurricane season.
Understanding An El Niño
El Niño refers to the irregular warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon disrupts the normal atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, which can lead to extensive climatic repercussions worldwide. El Niño events typically occur every two to seven years and can persist for several months to a year or more.