How does El Nino affect precipitation?
How does El Niño affect precipitation?
El Niño occurs when warm water builds up along the equator in the eastern Pacific. The warm ocean surface warms the atmosphere, which allows moisture-rich air to rise and develop into rainstorms. During El Niño years, such as 1997, the southeast receives more rain than average.
Is this an El Niño year 2021?
National Meteorological and Hydrological Services will closely monitor changes in the state of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the coming months and provide updated outlooks. In summary: The tropical Pacific has been ENSO-neutral since May 2021, based on both oceanic and atmospheric indicators.
What happens during El Niño Southern Oscillation?
El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an irregular periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting the climate of much of the tropics and subtropics. The warming phase of the sea temperature is known as El Niño and the cooling phase as La Niña.
How does El Niño affect the environment?
In general, El Nino causes global temperatures to rise. Thusly, on a global scale, El Nino has been shown to lead to fires or flooding due to these unusually extreme conditions. Past El Nino cycles have also lead to extensive property damage due to wind, rain, frost, fire, lightning, and flooding.
Is El Niño worse than La Niña?
La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply “a cold event.” La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña events, trade winds are even stronger than usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia. During La Niña winters, the South sees warmer and drier conditions than usual.
What is the benefit of El Niño?
Fewer hurricanes and other tropical cyclones in the north Atlantic. Milder winters in southern Canada and the northern continental United States. Replenishment of water supplies in the southwestern U.S. Less disease in some areas due to drier weather (like malaria in southeastern Africa)
When was the last period of La Niña?
Recent years when La Niña Modoki events occurred include 1973–1974, 1975–1976, 1983–1984, 1988–1989, 1998–1999, 2000–2001, 2008–2009, 2010–2011, and 2016–2017. The recent discovery of ENSO Modoki has some scientists believing it to be linked to global warming. However, comprehensive satellite data go back only to 1979.