Speakers:
Dr Mike Davey, specialist in atmospheric system dynamics, UCL and the Met Office
Sarah Ineson, climate variability specialist, Met Office
How does the Southern Oscillation affect the weather around the globe? Are we about to enter an El Niño season? And why should we care? This background briefing covered the mechanics of the ENSO cycle, what happens in El Niño and La Niña conditions, and the global impacts of these two very different phenomena. It also explained the current state of the tropical pacific and discuss the current forecast for the coming months, including any implications for the UK and Europe.