WHAT IS AN EL NINO?
* Warming of sea surface temperatures in eastern and central Pacific Ocean that disrupts weather patterns across the Pacific
* Can cause ocean cooling in the western Pacific and around northern Australia
* Can deliver more rain to the west coast of North and South America
* Can disrupt trade winds that blow moisture-laden air towards eastern Australia
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WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS IN AUSTRALIA?
* Lower rainfall through winter and spring, especially in the north and east
* Temperature extremes
* Warmer-than-average weather, particularly in southern Australia in the second half of the year
* Decreased cloud and low rainfall
* Worsening heat extremes for cities such as Adelaide and Melbourne, increase in extreme hot days and heatwaves further north
* Increased winter frost
* Increased bushfire risk
* Fewer tropical cyclones, especially for Queensland
* Later northern monsoon rains
* Below-average wet season rains early
* Reduced winter snowfall
(Source: Bureau of Meteorology)
