El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, can influence the polar vortex. During a strong El Niño, the polar vortex may weaken later in the winter, increasing the likelihood of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events. These events can disrupt the vortex, potentially leading to colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere. However, El Niño does not guarantee specific weather outcomes, as other climate factors also play a role.