Sentinel-6 altimetry tracks 2026 El Niño Kelvin wave reaching 1.7°C eastern Pacific anomaly
High-resolution satellite altimetry and radiometry have quantified the 2026 El Niño from its Kelvin-wave initiation through peak SST anomaly. The data enable improved seasonal forecasts for weather-sensitive sectors while highlighting the interaction between natural variability and the current warm baseline. Strength of evidence rests on continuous satellite records since 1993 cross-validated with in-situ arrays.
Next steps include assimilation of these data into coupled models to test whether the observed rapid Kelvin-wave speed signals stronger equatorial heat content than in previous strong events; validation against Argo profiles will be required within six months to confirm subsurface structure.
NOAA: Niño-3.4 index will peak above +2.0 °C for three consecutive overlapping seasons ending March 2027.
Sources (2)
- [1]Primary Source(https://science.nasa.gov/earth/nasa-satellites-observe-historic-2026-el-nino/)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://www.noaa.gov/news/enso-update-october-2026)