What is an El Niño? And how will it affect Australia? – video

Climate models are indicating Australia may be hit by a 'super El Nino' before the end of the year. After three years of La Nina and above-average rainfall, Australia is now looking at a hot, dry El Nino period. The last extreme El Nino in 2016 helped push global temperatures to the highest on record, underpinned by human-caused global heating that sparked floods, droughts and disease outbreaks. But what exactly is an El Nino and how do they work? Matilda Boseley explains

• Climate models warn of possible super El Nino' before end of year

• The next El Nino: when is it coming and how strong might this one be for Australia?