Forces of Change

El Niño and La Niña impact weather in different parts of the world and at different times. These worldwide effects, called “teleconnections,” occur because Earth's climate is a linked system: a push and pull affair between ocean and atmosphere.


Ocean currents redistribute the ocean's heat, Ocean temperatures drive winds, Winds drive the ocean currents
Typical weather changes in the United States during an El Niño

Typical weather changes in the United States during a La Niña

Typical weather changes in the United States during an El Niño (top) and during a La Niña (bottom).