EL NIÑO'S POWERFUL REACH   What is
El Niño?
Clues From
the Past
Long Distance
Connections
Winners &
Losers
El Niño
Lowdown

Left 1 2 Is El Niño Coming? Right

Surface temperature effects
The current surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean (Aug. 27, 2006 thru Sept. 2, 2006). Can you see any indication of El Niño or La Ni�a effects?

El Niño episodes occur every three to seven years, with the most recent event in 1997-98. Compare the top satellite image to the two on the right. The top image was taken last week. Where do you think we are in the cycle? Surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean during the El Niño of 1997-98
Surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean during the La Niña of 1998-99
Surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean during the El Niño of 1997-98 (middle). Look for warmer temperatures (red) off the western coast of South America. Surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean during the La Ni�a of 1998-99 (bottom). Look for cooler temperatures (blue) in the central Pacific.