Waters along the equator in the Pacific Ocean were warmer than average during February 2016, but cooler than they were in January, according to satellite observations.
Last week, NOAA issued a La Niña watch, indicating conditions are favorable for the development of La Niña this winter. What does a La Niña winter typically mean for the U.S.?
The dismal rainy season in southern Africa has destroyed crops, killed livestock, and even led to blackouts. El Niño probably had something to do with it.
The disruptions of tropical Pacific sea surface temperature and rainfall that occur during the climate pattern called "ENSO" trigger a cascade of global side effects. These maps show how El Niño and La Niña affect seasonal climate around the world.
Free to good home! NOAA Climate.gov provides hundreds of images and maps that are free for re-use. This page gathers up links to our most popular El Niño and La Niña images.
As they were in December, waters across the tropical Pacific Ocean continued to be much warmer than average in January 2016, suggesting* that El Niño still had a grip on the basin.