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NOAA Flags Record 85.73°F Niño 3.4 Sea Temperatures

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 11:18 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

NOAA reports record-high 85.73 °F sea surface temperature in the Niño 3.4 region on Sept. 29.
Climate Prediction Center gives over 90% chance a very strong El Niño will form in 2026.
The Atlantic basin had no hurricanes through September, the first hurricane-free September since 1994.
Wilmington recorded nearly 15 inches of rain in August, its second-wettest August, and 39 inches through Sept. 28.

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Story summary

NOAA reports record-high 85.73 °F sea surface temperature in the Niño 3.4 region on Sept. 29.
Climate Prediction Center gives over 90% chance a very strong El Niño will form in 2026.
The Atlantic basin had no hurricanes through September, the first hurricane-free September since 1994.
Wilmington recorded nearly 15 inches of rain in August, its second-wettest August, and 39 inches through Sept. 28.