What Is El Nino?
A periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that shifts weather worldwide, often bringing wetter winters to the southern US. In technical terms: The warm phase of ENSO, defined by NOAA as the Oceanic Nino Index (3-month mean SST anomaly in the Nino 3.4 region) at or above plus 0.5 degrees C with coupled atmospheric response, persisting for several seasons; weakens trade winds and the Walker circulation and suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity.
Also called: Warm Phase ENSO
El Nino In Plain English
A periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that shifts weather worldwide, often bringing wetter winters to the southern US.
The Technical Definition
The warm phase of ENSO, defined by NOAA as the Oceanic Nino Index (3-month mean SST anomaly in the Nino 3.4 region) at or above plus 0.5 degrees C with coupled atmospheric response, persisting for several seasons; weakens trade winds and the Walker circulation and suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity.
Lessons That Use El Nino
- Weather Versus Climate Unit 16: Climate, Warnings And Safety
