The term, “El Niño”, refers to the unpredictable phenomenon that occurs over the Pacific Ocean that causes a warming trend. This trend makes thunderstorms stronger and increases rainfall over Asia, Australia, and North and South America. When it is an El Niño year, the US typically sees fewer hurricanes make landfall.

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The 2008 hurricane season is coming to a close on November 30th after sixteen storms (eight of these being hurricanes) hit the United States. Colorado State University researchers stated to the AFP that this year’s season has ended with record damages. A typical hurricane season has eleven tropical storms and five hurricanes, two of which are considered of high-intensity.  (more…)