How the Climate Prediction Center monitors El Niño
To measure El Niño, the Climate Prediction Center has used the Oceanic Niño Index — a three-month rolling average of sea surface temperature anomalies in the "Niño region" of the Pacific Ocean. At least four "very strong" (or "Super" El Niños) occurred during this period.
Oceanic Niño Index
Very strong
Strong
Moderate
Weak
-1
+1.5
-2°C
-1.5
-0.5
0
+0.5
+1
+2°C
La Niña
El Niño
1950
1970
‘72–73
‘82–83
1990
‘97–98
2010
‘15–16
2026
Very strong
Strong
Moderate
Weak
-2°C
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
+0.5
+1
+1.5
+2°C
La Niña
El Niño
1950
1970
‘72–73
‘82–83
1990
‘97–98
2010
‘15–16
2026
‘97–98
‘15–16
El Niño
‘82–83
‘72–73
Very strong
+2°C
Strong
+1.5
Moderate
+1
Weak
+0.5
0
-0.5
Weak
-1
Moderate
-1.5
Strong
-2
Very strong
La Niña
1950
1970
1990
2010
2026
