2.  El Nino is an abnormal warming of surface ocean waters in the Pacific Ocean  This occurs every 3-5 years  Part of what's called the Southern Oscillation

4.  El Nino means "The Christ Child," because it comes about the time of the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child-Christmas, which is during Winter in the US

6.  In the US, weather changes are seen most in the winter ◦ temperatures are warmer than normal in the North Central States, and cooler than normal in the Southeast and the Southwest

8.  El Nino causes storms in the Ocean and also causes other severe weather around the world, like hurricanes and heavy storms as well as fires, drought, flooding and more extreme temperature changes

13.  La Nina means “the little girl”  Ocean surface waters are colder than normal in the Pacific Ocean  Brings opposite weather as El Nino ◦ winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the Southeast and cooler than normal in the Northwest.  Weather differences are most seen in the winter months