Satellites track Super El Niño, aid hurricane forecasts
Satellites track Super El Niño, aid hurricane forecasts
US · Published Sep 16, 2026
NASA and European partners are using the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich and Sentinel-6B satellites to monitor the developing Super El Niño, which NOAA predicts could be one of the strongest on record.
These satellites measure sea-surface height, wave size, and wind speed using radar altimeters, providing critical data to predict hurricane intensification.

Impact & Risks

The developing Super El Niño could significantly impact global weather patterns, increasing hurricane activity in the Pacific while reducing it in the Atlantic. Rapid hurricane intensification remains a critical concern, as it shortens the time available for emergency preparations. Satellite data is vital for forecasting these changes, enabling federal and state agencies to issue timely warnings and implement protective measures. Communities in hurricane-prone regions, particularly along the Pacific coast, may face heightened risks of severe weather events, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding.

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