The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a complex but pivotal phenomenon in global weather, and even leading climatologists still have much to learn about it. But because of the many unknowns and ENSOs profound impacts on people around the world, there are a wealth of organizations seeking a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms and influence upon weather.
The following reports and resources are excellent starting points for grasping the fundamental aspects of ENSO, and opportunities to delve deeper into specific facets of this important and fascinating phenomenon.
Wisconsin Public Television
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“Here and Now”: University of Wisconsin-Madison climatologist Dan Vimont introduces the ENSO cycle and how El Niño can affect global weather patterns. Watch and learn more.
“University Place”: UW-Extension stormwater specialist David Liebl discusses long-term climate change modeling and how satellites are used in this research. Watch and learn more.
“University Place”: UW-Madison climatologists Jonathan Martin and Steve Ackerman discuss winter weather variations and how they inform climate change research. Watch and learn more.
Wisconsin Public Radio
“Central Time”: UW-Madison climatologist Dan Vimont discusses El Niño and the challenges of forecasting its effects. Listen and learn more.
Climatology And Meteorology Resources
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: NOAA’s El Niño portal
NOAA: ENSO Blog
NOAA/National Weather Service/National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Climate Prediction Center: ENSO outlooks and tools
NOAA/National Weather Service/National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Climate Prediction Center: El Niño/Southern Oscillation diagnostic discussion
NOAA/National Weather Service: El Niño and Southern Wisconsin
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: El Niño, La Niña & ENSO FAQ
International Research Institute for Climate and Society: ENSO Forecast
Midwest Regional Climate Center: El Niño
Midwest Regional Climate Center: ENSO Comparison Tool
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts: How is Wisconsin’s climate changing?
University of Wisconsin-Extension: Wisconsin Land Use Megatrends: Climate Change
Climate Wisconsin: Stories from a State of Change
Videos
World Meteorological Organization: The El Niño of 2015-16
NOAA Climate Prediction Center: Winter Outlook 2015-16
Saturday Night Live: Weather Scope: El Niño
This report was produced in a partnership between Wisconsin Public Radio, PBS Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. @ Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
