El Niño 1972
1972 was an El Niño year: 7 of 12 three-month seasons had El Niño-level ONI and 1 La Niña-level. The most extreme value was +1.8 °C in OND.
Episodes in 1972
ONI month by month in 1972
| DJF | JFM | FMA | MAM | AMJ | MJJ | JJA | JAS | ASO | SON | OND | NDJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.6 | -0.3 | +0.0 | +0.3 | +0.5 | +0.7 | +1.0 | +1.3 | +1.5 | +1.7 | +1.8 | +1.8 |
← 19711973 →Full ONI tableStatisticsWeekly update
Frequently asked questions
Was 1972 an El Niño year?
1972 was an El Niño year: 7 of 12 three-month seasons had El Niño-level ONI and 1 La Niña-level. The most extreme value was +1.8 °C in OND.
Which ENSO episodes affected 1972?
La Niña 1970-1972 (-1.4 °C), El Niño 1972-1973 (+1.8 °C)
Source: NOAA CPC Oceanic Niño Index (public domain).