ocean currents

The 2023-24 El Niño is described as record-shattering, with analysis of its wide-ranging effects on global temperatures, weather patterns and ecosystems. The event has driven exceptional ocean warming in the tropical Pacific, contributing to record global heat, shifts in rainfall, droughts and flooding in various regions, and stress on fisheries and agriculture. Commentators are weighing how much of the recent temperature surge should be attributed to El Niño versus longer-term climate change.

The New York Times reports that the current El Niño pattern is influencing storm activity on opposite sides of the United States. The climate phenomenon, marked by warmer Pacific Ocean waters, is altering jet stream behavior and steering weather systems, shaping storm tracks for both the West and East coasts this season.

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, according to forecasters, who say the storm currently poses no threat to land. It is being closely tracked as the season's weather systems develop, but officials report no immediate concerns for coastal areas as Hanna remains over open water.

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, according to forecasters, who say the storm is not currently threatening land. It marks another named system in the Atlantic season, drawing attention as meteorologists track its path and strength. Officials have not issued coastal warnings, and the storm is expected to remain over open water for now.

A Kelvin wave is an underwater pulse of unusually warm water that travels eastward along the equator in the Pacific. Meteorologists are watching current Kelvin activity because such waves can push warm water toward the coast, influencing ocean temperatures, marine life, and weather patterns, and potentially shaping conditions that could affect California's climate outlook.

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, according to reports carried by AP News and multiple local US outlets. Forecasters say the storm currently poses no threat to land, so no coastal warnings have been issued. Coverage so far focuses on tracking its position and movement, with stations from Texas to Florida passing along the advisory to audiences watching the Atlantic season.

A letter to the editor argues that the developing El Niño will increase baseline sea levels, adding to seasonal coastal flood risks. The claim aligns with scientific expectations that El Niño conditions raise Pacific ocean temperatures and temporarily lift global sea-surface heights, though no specific figures or locations are given in the letter itself.

A strong, or 'super', El Niño event is being linked to significant regional weather impacts across the Midwestern United States. The phenomenon, driven by unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, typically alters precipitation and temperature patterns, affecting the Midwest's agriculture, flooding risks and winter conditions. Attention is focused on how this cycle may play out differently for the region.

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, but forecasters say it is not currently threatening any land areas. Reports from US news outlets confirm the storm's formation and note that it poses no immediate danger to coastal communities. Attention is on its projected track as the Atlantic storm season continues.

A weather explainer is looking at the satellites used to study the world's oceans and monitor El Niño. Coverage focuses on how these spacecraft measure sea surface temperatures and other ocean conditions, which scientists use to track the climate pattern and improve forecasts of its effects on weather around the globe.

The Pulitzer Center has published guidance for journalists interested in joining its Ocean Reporting Network, an initiative aimed at expanding coverage of ocean issues worldwide. The FAQ explains eligibility, what the network offers reporters, and how to apply, as the Center seeks to grow a global community of journalists covering marine and coastal stories.

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar has introduced H.R. 10505, the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2026, in the US House of Representatives. The bill would reauthorize existing US conservation programs that protect tropical forests and coral reefs. The measure has been filed ahead of current authorizations, with details of funding levels and duration not yet widely reported.

Surfers are checking the latest surf report and forecast for Ocean Grove, a beach town on the New Jersey shore. The report covers current wave conditions, tide information and a live view of the water, helping locals decide when to head out. Interest typically rises with swells, storms or seasonal changes along the coast.

Forecasters and local outlets are warning that waves from deep ocean swells could heighten coastal hazards along Westside beaches this winter. Residents in low-lying shoreline areas are being advised to watch for elevated surf, possible flooding and stronger rip currents as the season progresses.

A Nor'easter has flooded streets in Ocean City, Maryland, with photographs showing water covering roads along the resort town. The coastal storm brought tidal flooding to the Delmarva peninsula, disrupting travel and daily life in the popular beach destination. Photos of submerged streets are circulating as residents and visitors document the impact of the ongoing coastal weather event.

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue has issued a warning to beachgoers due to dangerous surf conditions along the county's coastline. Lifeguards are urging swimmers to use caution, stay near staffed lifeguard towers, and avoid entering rough waters. Local news outlets in the region are covering the alert, highlighting the risk of rip currents and hazardous conditions for anyone heading to the beach.

Human rights defenders from Seychelles have raised concerns at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, calling for the preservation of their civic space. Speaking through the International Service for Human Rights, they urged authorities and the international community to protect freedoms of association, expression and assembly in the Indian Ocean island nation.

The World Meteorological Organization warns that El Niño will unleash multiple hazards across the South-West Indian Ocean region. The advisory points to heightened risks of extreme weather for countries along the basin, with the current El Niño event expected to disrupt normal rainfall and temperature patterns and increase the likelihood of droughts, floods and cyclones in the affected nations.

A coastal storm has flooded streets in Ocean City, Maryland, with high water inundating roads in the popular beach resort town. The flooding is being reported by local news outlets in the region. No details were immediately available on the extent of damage, injuries, or how long flood conditions may persist as the storm moves through the area.

While most of Earth's oceans continue to warm, one region has grown colder, researchers note in a new analysis. The finding highlights how unevenly ocean warming is distributed, and scientists are examining what local currents, winds or other factors could explain the anomaly. The story is drawing attention as a striking exception to a well-established global trend.

Attention is turning to El Niño and its role in releasing stored heat from the oceans. A widely shared article explains that the vast majority of energy accumulating in the Earth's system due to climate change is stored in the oceans, and that El Niño is one way the ocean 'burps' out this extra heat, with potential consequences for global temperatures and weather patterns.

Ocean City police in Maryland have issued an updated travel advisory as flooding affects the resort town. The department is urging drivers to avoid flooded streets and use caution when travelling through low-lying areas. The advisory comes as coastal flooding disrupts travel in and around the popular beach destination.

Tropical Storm Nolo is tracking toward the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the vast protected ocean area northwest of Hawaii. The storm poses a potential threat to the monument's remote islands and ecosystems, which serve as critical habitat for endangered monk seals, seabirds and coral reefs. Weather officials are monitoring Nolo's path as it approaches the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser covering the developing situation.

A mathematical study on large-scale wind-drift ocean currents has been published, presenting an asymptotic approach formulated in spherical coordinates for describing how winds drive major ocean circulation. The work offers a theoretical framework intended to improve the representation of wind-driven currents at global scale, where traditional Cartesian approximations become less accurate. Specialists in physical oceanography and geophysical fluid dynamics are the likely audience for the paper.

The International Space Station's live video stream is being shared again, offering a continuous view of Earth from roughly 400 kilometres up. The coordinates shared alongside the feed place the station over the southern Pacific Ocean. Viewers are swapping links to the stream and location data, with space agencies NASA, ESA, JAXA and CSA associated with the station's ongoing operations.

Two people have been recovered from the ocean off Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County, California. Local outlet KSBW reported the incident, saying the conditions of the two individuals are not yet known. Authorities have not released further details on how the pair ended up in the water or their current status.

The State-Journal has published an editorial cartoon titled 'The bottom of America's economic ocean', using ocean imagery to comment on the lowest rungs of the United States economy. Political cartoons of this kind typically use satire to weigh in on current debates about economic conditions, inequality or the struggles of those at the bottom. No further details accompany the cartoon, so its specific target is unclear.

New analysis using offshore wind industry data indicates that a major ocean current has been weakening over a period of nearly twenty years. The finding, reported by DredgeWire, adds to scientific concern about changing ocean circulation patterns and their potential effects on climate and marine ecosystems.