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ESA Sentinel-3 Spots Early El Niño, Warns Global Impacts

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

ESA Sentinel-3 satellites have detected a sea-surface-temperature pattern that signals an early El Niño in the tropical Pacific.
Scientist Craig Donlon said the anomalies are measured against long-term temperature averages.
If the El Niño strengthens, it could raise heatwaves, droughts, flooding and shift winter storms.
The warming may weaken the Arctic polar vortex, affect Europe’s winter, and will be monitored by Sentinel-3, Sentinel-6 and Sentinel-3C (launching this autumn) for sea-level changes.

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Story summary

ESA Sentinel-3 satellites have detected a sea-surface-temperature pattern that signals an early El Niño in the tropical Pacific.
Scientist Craig Donlon said the anomalies are measured against long-term temperature averages.
If the El Niño strengthens, it could raise heatwaves, droughts, flooding and shift winter storms.
The warming may weaken the Arctic polar vortex, affect Europe’s winter, and will be monitored by Sentinel-3, Sentinel-6 and Sentinel-3C (launching this autumn) for sea-level changes.