El Niño Precursors Detected by Sentinel-6 Satellite in Pacific Ocean
Recent data from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, collected between March and May 2026, has revealed the presence of a warm Kelvin wave moving from the western Pacific Ocean toward the coasts of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This phenomenon, characterized by elevated sea levels and warmer water, is a strong indicator of an impending El Niño event. The satellite observed sea levels around Peru rising by over 5.9 inches (15 cm) above long-term averages by mid-May, a result of thermal expansion as ocean temperatures increased. These changes in sea surface height and temperature can significantly alter atmospheric circulation patterns, potentially leading to heavy rainfall in some regions and droughts in others. The Sentinel-6 mission, a collaboration between NASA, ESA, NOAA, and other international agencies, plays a critical role in monitoring such global climate phenomena. 
