What is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, and why does it have such a powerful influence on weather and climate in Australia and around the world?

In this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan unpack ENSO, the natural climate cycle behind El Niño and La Niña.

Joined by climate scientists Mandy Freund from the University of Melbourne and Shayne McGregor from Monash University, we explore how changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures, trade winds and atmospheric pressure can shift rainfall, heat, drought and flood risks across the globe. We also trace the history of ENSO research and explain how scientists observe and forecast its changing phases.

With a strong El Niño developing in 2026, the team cuts through the “super El Niño” headlines to examine what forecasts can tell us about the months ahead. 

They also consider how ENSO interacts with the Indian Ocean Dipole, Southern Annular Mode and Madden–Julian Oscillation, and what climate change means for the impacts of future El Niño and La Niña events.

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

 

What is the El Ni&ntilde;o&ndash;Southern Oscillation, and why does it have such a powerful influence on weather and climate in Australia and around the world?
In this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate &amp; Weather Podcast, hosts <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> unpack ENSO, the natural climate cycle behind El Ni&ntilde;o and La Ni&ntilde;a.
Joined by climate scientists <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/722384-mandy-freund">Mandy Freund</a> from <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/">the University of Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/profile/shayne-mcgregor/">Shayne McGregor</a> from <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a>, we explore how changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures, trade winds and atmospheric pressure can shift rainfall, heat, drought and flood risks across the globe. We also trace the history of ENSO research and explain how scientists observe and forecast its changing phases.
With a strong El Ni&ntilde;o developing in 2026, the team cuts through the &ldquo;super El Ni&ntilde;o&rdquo; headlines to examine what forecasts can tell us about the months ahead.&nbsp;
They also consider how ENSO interacts with the Indian Ocean Dipole, Southern Annular Mode and Madden&ndash;Julian Oscillation, and what climate change means for the impacts of future El Ni&ntilde;o and La Ni&ntilde;a events.
Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.
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Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth — especially here in Australia.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate. 

With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.

From greenhouse gases and El Niño to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what’s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.

No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts — and a little hope.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth &mdash; especially here in Australia.
Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate.&nbsp;
With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.
From greenhouse gases and El Ni&ntilde;o to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you&rsquo;ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what&rsquo;s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.
No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts &mdash; and a little hope.