The El Niño Weather Pattern

May 15, 2026, 17:29
GlobalEnvironment

Introduction

The NOAA says El Niño will start between May and July. It might be a very strong event later this year.

Main Body

The ocean water is getting warm. This is bad for animals in the Galápagos Islands. In the past, many penguins and corals died because they had no food. Now, 2,000 penguins are in danger. Marine iguanas also have no food. But birds and land iguanas might find more food. Bad animals like rats and goats may grow in number. Warm water also makes big storms in the Pacific Ocean. These storms can hurt people in the USA and Mexico. However, there will be fewer storms in the Atlantic Ocean.

Conclusion

El Niño is likely to happen. It is a big danger to animals and can cause strong storms.

Learning

🌊 The 'Cause and Effect' Pattern

Look at how the text connects a situation to a result. This is the best way to move from A1 to A2 English.

The Pattern: [Situation] →\rightarrow [Result]

Examples from the text:

  • Ocean water is warm →\rightarrow Animals have no food.
  • Warm water →\rightarrow Big storms.
  • No food →\rightarrow Penguins die.

💡 Word Power: Opposites

To describe weather and nature, you need 'contrast' words. Notice these pairs in the article:

  • Strong (storms) ↔\leftrightarrow Fewer (storms)
  • Bad (for animals) ↔\leftrightarrow More (food for birds)

🛠️ Grammar Tip: Talking about Possibility

Beginners often only use "is" or "are." To reach A2, use these 'Maybe' words found in the text:

  1. Might →\rightarrow "It might be a very strong event."
  2. Can →\rightarrow "These storms can hurt people."
  3. Likely to →\rightarrow "El Niño is likely to happen."

Vocabulary Learning

start (v.)
To begin or commence
Example:The event will start at 9 a.m.
strong (adj.)
Having great power or intensity
Example:The storm was a very strong one.
event (n.)
A happening or occurrence
Example:The El Niño is a natural event.
ocean (n.)
A large body of salt water
Example:The Pacific Ocean is very wide.
water (n.)
A clear liquid that covers most of the Earth
Example:The ocean water is getting warm.
warm (adj.)
Having a relatively high temperature
Example:The water feels warm to the touch.
bad (adj.)
Not good, harmful or unpleasant
Example:It is bad for the animals when the water is warm.
animals (n.)
Living creatures that are not plants
Example:Many animals suffer when food is scarce.
past (adj.)
Earlier in time
Example:In the past, many penguins died.
died (v.)
Ceased to live
Example:Penguins and corals died because they had no food.
food (n.)
What living things eat to survive
Example:The animals need food to stay healthy.
danger (n.)
A risk or threat to safety
Example:The El Niño is a big danger to the animals.
birds (n.)
Animals that can fly
Example:Birds may find more food in the area.
grow (v.)
To become larger or increase in size
Example:Rats and goats may grow in number.
number (n.)
A count of items or people
Example:The number of animals has increased.
storms (n.)
Violent weather with strong winds and rain
Example:Warm water also makes big storms.
hurt (v.)
To cause pain or damage
Example:The storms can hurt people in the USA.
happen (v.)
To occur or take place
Example:El Niño is likely to happen soon.
big (adj.)
Large in size or extent
Example:The El Niño is a big danger.
cause (v.)
To bring about or make happen
Example:Strong storms can cause damage to homes.