---
title: "El Niño Definition and Impact | Model Diplomat"
description: "El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, affecting global weather patterns. It's crucial for climate studies and civil services."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/el-nino"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, marked by anomalous warming of central and eastern equatorial Pacific surface waters that disrupts global weather.
- How does El Niño affect the Indian southwest monsoon?
- What is the difference between El Niño and the Southern Oscillation?
- How is an El Niño officially identified?
- Why does El Niño suppress upwelling off Peru?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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During the strong 2015–16 El Niño, India recorded two consecutive deficient monsoons, and NASA confirmed 2016 as the warmest year then on record, driven partly by the Pacific warming.

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