El Niño is a big weather event that affects the climate worldwide. It mainly changes the temperatures of the ocean in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

This usually happens every 2 to 7 years when ocean temperatures rise at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above the average. This can cause severe weather in many areas.

How El Niño Affects Different Parts of the World

1. North America:

   • The southern United States gets more rain during the winter. Some areas can see up to 50% more rainfall.
   • The Pacific Northwest becomes drier.
   • Average temperatures in some states rise by about 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

2. South America:

   • Countries like Peru and Ecuador can experience much more rain, leading to landslides and floods. Some places can see rainfall increase by more than 200%.
   • However, northeastern Brazil may face droughts, with rain dropping by up to 70%.

3. Australia:

   • El Niño often brings droughts and less rain, especially in the eastern and northern parts. Rainfall can go down by 30% to 50%, increasing the risk of bushfires.

4. Africa:

   • East Africa can get more rain than normal, while Southern Africa may experience droughts. Crop yields may drop by up to 30%, making food supplies more insecure.

5. Asia:

   • Countries like Indonesia and the Philippines usually face drier weather and a greater chance of wildfires. Parts of India might have late rainy seasons, which can harm farming and water supplies.

Conclusion

The effects of El Niño not only cause immediate weather changes but also create long-lasting problems. These can include food shortages, more natural disasters, and higher costs that can add up to billions of dollars each year. It's essential to understand these patterns to better prepare for and respond to disasters in affected areas.