Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 day ago
Strong El Niño warms Pacific and reduces phytoplankton, raising climate concerns
A powerful El Niño is warming the Pacific Ocean, with sea-surface temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific reaching about 30°C on October 22.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that changes winds and rainfall, and scientists say this event could remain strong into early 2027.
Weaker winds are limiting the rise of nutrient-rich deep water, which helps tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton grow.
Satellite images show less phytoplankton and darker blue water; these plants support marine food chains and help absorb carbon dioxide.
The decline could threaten marine life and fisheries, while reducing how much carbon the ocean takes up.
India recorded about 13% less rain than usual during the 2026 southwest monsoon, and forecasts point to hotter conditions and below-normal rain in parts of South Asia in the coming months.
Forecasters expect the El Niño to peak around December, while meteorologists monitor ocean and weather data to assess its effects.
A strong El Niño is warming the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, with sea-surface temperatures reported near 30°C on October 22, 2026.
The warming is weakening nutrient-rich upwelling and reducing phytoplankton, changing the Pacific’s visible color and raising concerns for marine food chains.
Phytoplankton also absorb carbon dioxide, so their decline could mean the ocean takes up less carbon.
Forecasters warn the event could affect temperatures and rainfall in India and other regions, with effects possibly lasting into early 2027.
- Who
- Scientists and forecasters are tracking the strong El Niño and its effects.
- What
- Pacific waters are warming, phytoplankton are declining, and the ocean’s color is changing.
- When
- The reports were published on October 22, 25 and 26, 2026; the event may continue into early 2027.
- Where
- The central and eastern equatorial Pacific, with possible weather effects in India, South Asia and other regions.
- Why
- El Niño weakens or reverses trade winds, limiting the rise of cold, nutrient-rich water that supports phytoplankton.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Satellite images showed a warm Kelvin wave moving east across the Pacific.
Sea-surface temperature anomalies in the Niño 3.4 region were reported at 1.6°C above normal.
The Niño 3.4 temperature anomaly rose to 2.5°C above normal.
Central equatorial Pacific sea-surface temperatures were reported near 30°C.
The World Meteorological Organization forecast record-high temperatures in parts of the tropical Pacific.
Scientists said the strong El Niño’s effects could persist into the beginning of the year.
- Pacific temperature
- Near 30°C on October 22, 2026
- Niño 3.4 anomaly
- 2.5°C above normal in August
- Forecast anomaly
- About 3.7°C for October–December
- Previous anomaly record
- 2.6°C, recorded November 2015–January 2016
- India monsoon rainfall
- About 13% below normal in 2026
- South America sea level
- Up to 1.3 feet higher near the coast during the Kelvin wave
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What people are saying
Kelvin waves are like the heartbeat of El Niño. And our sea surface satellites allow us to peer into the ocean and see each pulse.
Whenever El Niño happens, it touches more or less all of us. People can see what its effects might be, but we look to the ocean to understand the causes behind them.
Many people think of water as simply blue, but it is truly amazing how many colors ocean water can have.