El Niño is a climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, which can have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world.

During an El Niño event, the trade winds that usually blow from east to west weaken or even reverse, causing warm water to move eastward towards the coast of South America. This can lead to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, resulting in altered weather conditions.

The impacts of El Niño can vary depending on the region. In some areas, such as the western coast of South America, El Niño can bring heavy rainfall and flooding. In other regions, such as Southeast Asia and Australia, it can lead to drought conditions and increased risk of wildfires.

El Niño events typically occur every 2-7 years and can last for several months to a year or more. They are part of a larger climate cycle known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which also includes a cooler phase called La Niña.

Scientists closely monitor El Niño events and their potential impacts, as they can have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and natural ecosystems.