The El Niño weather pattern, which originates in the Pacific Ocean is now well underway and is growing in strength according to British scientists. This is likely to have widespread regional impacts and to continue to contribute to raised global average temperatures this year and next – after a 15-year “cool” phase, during which the Pacific Ocean has dragged down the world’s average surface temperature, the signs are it has entered a “warm” phase, according to Prof Adam Scaife of the UK Met Office.