February 15, 2016

El Niños occur in cycles that average between two and seven years when surface temperatures across the Central Pacific warm by 1-3 degrees Fahrenheit. Even this slight change can impact weather conditions, bringing more rain to some areas and leaving others completely dry.

Sometimes the effects of these events are so strong that they become known as Super El Niños and bring with them record-breaking, devastating weather conditions such as flooding, drought and forest fires.

When Super El Niños hit, the affected regions need more humanitarian support than ever before. The Central Pacific region is experiencing Super El Niño conditions right now, and this will last throughout 2016.

For more information, read:

http://www.unocha.org/el-nino

https://www.niwa.co.nz/our-science/climate