The effect of El Niño on weather in the Andes

Dry conditions Wet conditions

Rising of
moist warm
air

South East trade winds

reversed or weakened Severe
droughts
Warm waters Warmer summer
accumulates on South
Dryer America’s coast Intense winter
than usual rainfall

Depth of the thermocline

Warm ocean change, reducing upwelling
layer of cold water

Cold ocean
layer

Cold and warm episodes

Oceanic Niño Index

3,0

2,5
Very strong
2,0
Strong
1,5
Moderate
1,0
Weak
0,5

0,0

-0,5
Weak
-1,0
Moderate
-1,5
Strong
-2,0

-2,5
1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2018

Source: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration