El Niño is an important climate event that can change weather around the world. It happens when the water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean gets warmer than usual. This warming happens every 2 to 7 years and usually lasts for about 9 to 12 months, with the biggest effects seen around December.

How El Niño Affects Weather

1. North America:

   • In the southern United States, it often causes wetter weather, bringing more rain in places like California.
   • Meanwhile, the northern parts of the U.S. and some areas in Canada may become warmer and drier.

2. South America:

   • Countries such as Peru and Ecuador often get a lot more rain, which can lead to flooding and harm farming. In some places, rain can increase by about 200%.
   • On the other hand, Brazil may experience dry conditions, which can hurt how much food they can grow.

3. Africa:

   • In East Africa, it usually means more rain, increasing it by around 50%.
   • In Southern Africa, however, it tends to be drier, leading to less rain and possibly drought.

4. Asia and the Pacific:

   • Southeast Asia and Australia often deal with drier weather, raising the chances of drought. For example, Indonesia can see about a 20% drop in rainfall.
   • The Indian subcontinent might have changes in its monsoon season, which can impact food production.

How El Niño Works

El Niño affects the normal patterns of air movement in the atmosphere. The usual east-to-west winds can slow down or even switch directions, which changes the path of the jet stream. This creates a chain reaction that moves heat and moisture around the world, influencing temperatures, rainfall, and overall weather patterns.

In short, El Niño has a big impact on the climate and can lead to extreme weather events across the globe.