When was the first successful prediction of an El Niño event made?
Quick Answer
Scientific prediction of El Niño became practical in the late 20th century, with major forecasting improvements in the 1980s and 1990s. Earlier recognition of the phenomenon dates back much further.
The Full Story
El Niño had been recognized by fishermen for centuries, but practical scientific prediction became possible only in the late 20th century. Major advances in ocean observations, satellite data, and computer modeling improved forecasts in the 1980s and 1990s. This mattered because El Niño can affect rainfall, fisheries, storms, and agriculture around the world. Forecasting it allowed governments and industries to prepare for disruptions. The ability to predict ocean-atmosphere patterns became a major success of climate science.
Key Facts
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"How scientists learned to predict a Pacific climate giant"