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El Niño Forecast Raises Concerns for California Sea Lion Pups Amid Potential Mass Strandings

El Niño Forecast Raises Concerns for California Sea Lion Pups Amid Potential Mass Strandings

California is bracing for a powerful El Niño this winter, which, combined with an ongoing marine heat wave, could lead to a significant increase in starving sea lion pups washing ashore. The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, which typically rescues hundreds of marine mammals annually, fears a repeat of the 2013-2016 period. During that time, an El Niño event and an ocean heat wave known as 'the Blob' resulted in thousands of malnourished California sea lion pups stranding on beaches. The primary concern is the impact on upwelling, a natural process where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, providing abundant food for marine life. El Niño and marine heat waves can disrupt this process, reducing food availability, especially for young animals.
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Indigenous Territories in Ecuador's Amazon Match Official Reserves in Forest Protection

Indigenous Territories in Ecuador's Amazon Match Official Reserves in Forest Protection

A recent study highlights that indigenous territories within the Ecuadorian Amazon are as effective as, if not more effective than, formally designated conservation areas in protecting forest health. The research indicates that in northern Ecuador, 78.6% of analyzed pixels in government-protected forests showed declining vegetation greenness, compared to 57.1% in indigenous territories. This suggests that community-led stewardship is a powerful and legitimate conservation strategy. The Amazon rainforest, spanning across several South American countries including Ecuador, is a critical global ecosystem, home to diverse plant and animal species, and plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating the planet's climate. However, it faces significant threats from human activities such as deforestation, oil exploration, and agriculture. The study underscores the importance of local participation and governance in sustainable forest management.
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El Niño Expected to Delay First Snowfall in New Jersey Until January

El Niño Expected to Delay First Snowfall in New Jersey Until January

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that the 2026-2027 winter season may experience the strongest El Niño event on record, with Pacific Ocean temperatures expected to exceed 3°C above normal. El Niño, a climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the Pacific, typically impacts weather patterns across the globe. For the East Coast, including New Jersey, this could mean an increase in winter storms and a mix of snow and rain. However, due to the warming effect of El Niño, the first snowfall in New Jersey is likely to be delayed until January, rather than the usual early December timeframe (source: app.com, 2026-09-08).
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Super El Niño Poised to Break Records, Reshape Global Weather Patterns

Super El Niño Poised to Break Records, Reshape Global Weather Patterns

A 'super El Niño' is developing in the Pacific Ocean, with NOAA reporting a 90% chance of a 'very strong' event during the fall and winter of 2026-2027 (Las Vegas Sun, 2026). Sea surface temperatures in the Niño 3.4 region have already exceeded 2°C above average, and forecasts suggest this El Niño could surpass the record-breaking 2015-2016 event. El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs every two to seven years, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. This event is expected to significantly alter global weather patterns, suppressing Atlantic hurricane activity while intensifying Pacific storms and causing extreme weather events worldwide.
The Augusta Chronicle The Augusta Chronicle
Hotter weather leaves honey bees less time to make honey | Exclusive

Hotter weather leaves honey bees less time to make honey | Exclusive

From extreme heat to drought, climate change is disrupting honey bee health and food sources in the Southeast.
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Super El Niño Expected to Cause Severe Amazon Drought, Increasing Wildfire Risk

Super El Niño Expected to Cause Severe Amazon Drought, Increasing Wildfire Risk

A super-sized El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean is projected to cause a devastating drought in the Amazon rainforest. Scientists are monitoring the current El Niño's development, stating it is set to be the most intense in modern history. Ocean temperatures in the Pacific are already well above normal and continue to rise, prompting warnings of extreme impacts. Adam Scaife of the Met Office indicates that strong El Niños concentrate heat near the South American coast, leading to more intense impacts like Amazon drought. Forecasts from the Met Office show a 'terribly dangerous rainfall anomaly' developing over the Amazon by January, accompanied by hotter air temperatures. Tim Li at the University of Hawaii believes the Amazon is poised for its most extreme El Niño-induced drought on record, noting that rainfall over the Amazon during June, July, and August was already well below average, even in the early stages of El Niño. This rainfall pattern is expected to intensify in the coming months, crea...
AP News AP News
With no time to spare, Michigan hatches a Great Lakes whitefish rescue plan

With no time to spare, Michigan hatches a Great Lakes whitefish rescue plan

Michigan officials have a plan that aims to save the Great Lakes' whitefish from invasive mussels
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El Niño Expected to Bring Unprecedented Weather Impacts Across the U.S.

El Niño Expected to Bring Unprecedented Weather Impacts Across the U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event this year, which could bring significant weather impacts across the United States. El Niño, the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is characterized by unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon is expected to strengthen through the end of 2026, with a 69% chance of becoming a 'historic event' surpassing previous El Niños since 1950. California and the Southeastern U.S. are likely to experience intense storms and wetter conditions, while the Great Lakes region may see drier weather. The event could also lead to a warmer winter for much of the U.S., with potential for severe weather, flooding, and even record-breaking heat in some areas. (Source: Newsweek, 2026-09-07, 08:56 PM EDT)
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Supersized El Niño Expected to Bring Heavy Rains and Flooding to U.S.

Supersized El Niño Expected to Bring Heavy Rains and Flooding to U.S.

Meteorologists are warning of a 'supersized' El Niño event this winter, driven by exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this El Niño is expected to be one of the strongest in at least 1,000 years, potentially making 2027 the hottest year on record. The phenomenon is likely to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe weather to the West Coast, Southeast, and East Coast of the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts increased precipitation and flooding risks for California and the West Coast, as well as elevated risks of severe weather in the Southeast. The Northern Rockies and northern Cascades may experience reduced snowpack, while the Upper Midwest and Northern Tier could see above-average temperatures. (Source: Newsweek, Source time: not specified)
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Understanding Glacial Floods and Their Impact

Understanding Glacial Floods and Their Impact

Glacial floods are increasingly frequent and devastating, often linked to rising global temperatures. Learn about their causes, effects, and how communities can prepare and respond.
1Weather 1Weather
El Niño Strengthens, Poised to Become Strongest on Record

El Niño Strengthens, Poised to Become Strongest on Record

El Niño is intensifying across the tropical Pacific, with forecasters predicting it could reach exceptional strength and influence global weather patterns through winter 2026-2027. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center estimates a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during fall and winter, while the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts nearly 100% likelihood of El Niño persisting through February 2027. AccuWeather suggests this event may become the strongest El Niño since reliable records began in 1950. Typical effects include stormier weather in the southern U.S., drier conditions in northern areas, and altered hurricane activity. However, impacts vary by region and season, and other climate drivers may modify outcomes.
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Hungarian Authorities Undertake Fish Rescue Operations Amidst Low Water Levels in Tisza Lake

Hungarian Authorities Undertake Fish Rescue Operations Amidst Low Water Levels in Tisza Lake

Hungarian authorities are conducting extensive fish rescue operations in Tisza Lake due to critically low water levels and deteriorating oxygen conditions. The Hungarian National Angling Federation (Mohosz) Tisza Lake Branch reported that fish are surfacing in large numbers at one end of the Cserőközi Dead-Tisza, indicating severe oxygen depletion. Experts have measured extremely low oxygen levels and are relocating endangered fish populations to the main Tisza River. This intervention became necessary as the lake's water level rapidly decreased, isolating areas like Szartos, where fish, particularly young pike, are trapped in shallow waters. The Middle Tisza Region Water Management Directorate (Kötivizig) has also been involved, noting the presence of large quantities of fish at the surface near a structure. Aeration equipment has been deployed in affected areas, with continuous monitoring by fish warden services. The low water levels are hindering rescue efforts, making some areas inaccessible by boat.