2026 Dual Enrollment Earth Science Complete Practice Test

El Niño tends to bring dryness to Australia because it shifts tropical rainfall patterns so the continent receives less moisture. When the eastern Pacific heats up, it weakens the usual global circulation that brings rain to Australia, reducing convection and the number of rain-bearing systems reaching the country. The result is drier conditions, especially in eastern and southern regions, and a higher chance of drought. This pattern is the opposite of what happens during La Niña, which usually brings wetter conditions to Australia. While year-to-year variation exists, dryness is the typical outcome associated with El Niño.