What is El Niño and why is everyone talking about it? El Niño is a climate pattern that involves the surface of the ocean and the atmosphere in the Pacific Ocean. Warm water along the equator, off the coast of South America, displaced colder water usually found in the Humbolt Current, which is farther north. According to scientists, the sea temperatures off the coast of tropical South America have become three to five degrees higher than usual. (see illustration) El Niño climate conditions occur every few years, and they are not predictable. The climate pattern is important because it can change the weather of the United States, particularly in California and the southern states.

Usually, though not always, El Niño brings more rain and higher temperatures. Also, warm ocean currents come farther north and all kinds of tropical fish can be caught in the waters far north along the United States West Coast. In 1982-1983, El Niño brought flooding to the states of California, Utah and Louisiana. It's particularly important for people who live in those states to be prepared for possible flooding. El Niño may also bring warmer than normal winter temperatures to the eastern part of the United States.

El Niño is Spanish for The Little Boy. It refers to the Christ child and was named by Mexican fisherman, who noticed the climate pattern often formed around Christmastime.