El Nino
In short
A climate pattern where ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become much warmer than usual. This change disrupts global weather patterns and affects rainfall and temperatures worldwide.
In plain words
The warm water in the Pacific Ocean changes how air moves around the planet. This can cause some places to have heavy floods while others suffer from long droughts.
A simple example
During an El Niño year, parts of Australia might experience very little rain and high bushfire risks, while South America might face heavy tropical storms.
Why it matters
It influences global food prices, energy needs, and the frequency of natural disasters. Understanding it helps farmers and governments prepare for extreme weather.
Easy to mix up
It is often confused with La Niña, which is the opposite phase involving unusually cold ocean temperatures.