2015 set to be harsh El Niño year

Weather experts are warning of a “super El Niño” this year that could wreak havoc with normal weather conditions around the world
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Normal conditions: Trade winds push warm surface water west

Asia: Wet and warm

Walker Circulation: Tropical airflow in lower atmosphere

South America: Dry

Warm water

Humboldt Current: Cold water rises

Warm sea

AUSTRALIA

Trade winds

Water circulation

Cold sea

SOUTH AMERICA
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El Niño: Trade winds reverse and push warm surface water east

Asia: Dry

Cold sea

Trade winds

Warm sea

Pacific Ocean

Water circulation

South America: Wet and warm
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Warning signs: Sea surface temperature anomalies (May 14, 2015)

Warm water

EQUATOR

-5°C -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
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Sources: NOAA, wire agencies

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