What could a super El Niño bring? BBC Learning English from the News
BBC Learning English • 2026-06-03T11:47:23Z • 8:32:00 • intermediate • News
Lead
Are you ready to learn about the powerful weather phenomenon known as El Niño? In this article, we break down its potential impacts and the vocabulary you need to understand the latest news!
Video
Quiz
0/5 answered • 0 correct
Choose an answer.
Choose an answer.
Choose an answer.
Choose an answer.
Choose an answer.
Vocabulary
Tap a card to flip. Use the heart to save favorites.
preparedness
/prɪˈpɛrdənəs/
Speaker: pronunciation • Heart: favorite
Definition
the state of being prepared for something, especially in terms of readiness for emergencies or disasters.
Example
The Covid pandemic highlighted the importance of preparedness.
Tap to flip back
whammy
/ˈwæmi/
Speaker: pronunciation • Heart: favorite
Definition
an informal term for something negative or unfortunate, often used in the phrase 'double whammy' to describe two bad things happening at the same time.
Example
My friend lost her job and her wallet got stolen on the same day; it was a double whammy.
Tap to flip back
hanging over
/ˈhæŋɪŋ ˈoʊvər/
Speaker: pronunciation • Heart: favorite
Definition
to be present in a way that causes worry or anxiety about a potential problem or threat in the future.
Example
The threat of job cuts is hanging over the employees, making them anxious about their futures.
Tap to flip back
meteorological
/ˌmiːtiəroʊˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
Speaker: pronunciation • Heart: favorite
Definition
relating to the science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena, including weather and climate.
Example
The meteorological data indicated a significant change in weather patterns this year.
Tap to flip back
drought
/draʊt/
Speaker: pronunciation • Heart: favorite
Definition
a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
Example
The region faced a severe drought that affected crop production and water supply.
Tap to flip back
consequences
/ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/
Speaker: pronunciation • Heart: favorite
Definition
the results or effects of an action or condition, often used to refer to negative outcomes.
Example
There are fears that this El Niño will have similar consequences as previous events.
Tap to flip back