The Little Explorer · ages 6–8 · 2026-10-10
The Ocean Is Running a Fever
A big patch of warm water called El Niño is growing in the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific is the biggest ocean on Earth. Every few years, its winds get weaker. Then warm water spreads across it, all the way to South America.
Scientists call this El Niño. The name means "the boy" in Spanish.
Scientists check the water's temperature every day. In 2015 there was a very strong El Niño. This one is on track to be even stronger, the strongest ever measured.
They think the ocean will stay extra warm until February.
Why it matters
A warm ocean changes the weather in faraway places. Some places get more rain. Others get less. Knowing early helps farmers and towns get ready.
THE PACIFIC OCEAN. El Niño warms the water between these lands.