El Niño events have significantly influenced global climate patterns over the past 1000 years, causing widespread disruptions and extreme weather conditions. Characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, El Niño can lead to severe droughts, intense rainfall, and temperature anomalies. Notable events include the 1525 El Niño, which caused heavy rains and flooding in Peru and Ecuador, and the 1789 event, which led to droughts in Indonesia and Australia. The 1877-1878 El Niño brought devastating droughts to India and Australia, while the 1925 event caused extreme flooding in Peru and drought in the United States.

The powerful 1982-1983 El Niño resulted in severe weather disruptions worldwide, including significant droughts and floods. The 1997-1998 El Niño, one of the strongest on record, caused severe droughts in Indonesia and Australia and massive flooding in Peru. More recently, the 2015-2016 El Niño led to extreme weather conditions globally, including major droughts and floods, affecting millions of people.