El Niño has returned, with satellite data from June 2026 confirming the climate pattern is intensifying. Observations from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite revealed sea surface heights in the equatorial Pacific are rising, a clear indicator of warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures.
The phenomenon, marked by elevated sea surface temperatures, can disrupt global weather patterns, often triggering droughts in some regions and heavy rainfall in others. This June onset follows a period of neutral conditions, and forecasters will now track its evolution into the latter half of the year.
Sea surface height measurements from the satellite showed the event was continuing to strengthen during the month. Warmer water expands, causing sea levels to rise in affected areas, providing scientists with a reliable metric for monitoring El Niño's intensity.
The strengthening event could influence agriculture, water supplies, and storm activity across the Pacific Rim in coming months. Governments and aid agencies may need to prepare for potential extremes, from floods in South America to dry spells in Southeast Asia.
Researchers caution that satellite data, while robust, represents just one layer of monitoring. Ground-based and oceanic sensors will be critical for refining forecasts and assessing local impacts.