Which climate phenomenon is the largest natural driver of year-to-year global weather swings?
Quick Answer
El Niño is one of the biggest natural drivers of year-to-year climate variation worldwide. It alters rainfall, storms, and temperatures across many regions.
The Full Story
El Niño is a major phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the biggest natural fluctuation in the climate system on year-to-year timescales. When El Niño conditions develop, warmer-than-average waters in the eastern tropical Pacific change atmospheric circulation and shift rainfall patterns around the globe. The effects can include droughts in some regions, heavier rain in others, and changes in hurricane activity. Because of its broad influence, El Niño is closely watched by forecasters and climate scientists.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"One ocean pattern can change weather around the world—this is El Niño."