El Nino

El Nino is a special change in the weather that happens every few years. It starts in the Pacific Ocean near South America. During El Nino, the water in the ocean gets warmer than usual. This changes the wind and the weather all over the world. Some places get more rain, while others get less.

How El Nino Happens

Normally, winds blow warm water to the west side of the Pacific Ocean. During El Nino, these winds get weaker or change direction. Warm water spreads back across the ocean to the east. The warm water makes more clouds and storms form. This changes weather for countries far away from the ocean.

What It Does

El Nino can bring heavy rain and floods to parts of North and South America. It can also cause dry weather in places like Australia and Asia. Farmers and fishermen feel the effects a lot. Some fish cannot live in the warmer water, so fishermen catch less. Scientists watch the ocean closely to know when El Nino is coming.

Fun Facts

• El Nino means 'the boy' in Spanish, named after the baby Jesus because it often starts near Christmas.
• El Nino happens every 2 to 7 years.
• The opposite of El Nino is called La Nina, when the ocean gets cooler.

Did You Know?

Fishermen in Peru first noticed El Nino hundreds of years ago because fewer fish were in the warm water.