Ocean-Observing Satellite Spots Telltale Sign of Growing El Niño

Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite data shows a warm Kelvin wave moving east across the Pacific, a precursor to El Niño. Sea levels near Peru were over 5.9 inches higher than average by mid-May, indicating rising sea surface temperatures. The UN World Meteorological Organization urges nations to prepare for a potentially strong event that could increase extreme storms, flooding, droughts, and heatwaves.