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 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.

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 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.

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.

Matson, Inc. (MATX), the US ocean transportation and logistics company, is seeing renewed interest in its share price, quote data and trading history as investors check the stock on financial platforms. The company operates container shipping services across the Pacific, linking the US mainland with Hawaii, Guam and Micronesia, and its performance is often watched as an indicator of Pacific freight demand.

A projected El Niño event in 2026 is drawing concern from climate scientists, who warn it could bring above-average global temperatures, disrupted rainfall patterns and increased risks of droughts, floods and heatwaves across multiple continents. The BBC's Global Story examines why researchers believe this developing El Niño could be more consequential than usual, as warming oceans combine with already elevated baseline temperatures to strain ecosystems, agriculture and infrastructure worldwide.

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.

Surfers are checking the latest surf report and forecast for South Ocean Beach, which includes live surf cams, wave heights and conditions. The report helps locals and visitors decide when the beach is best for surfing.

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.

Forecasters and climate watchers are discussing the possibility that the Atlantic basin could record no hurricanes in an entire season, something not seen in roughly a hundred years of records. If it happens, it would be an unprecedented lull in tropical storm activity, prompting debate over what it says about current ocean and atmospheric conditions.

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.

Researchers have developed a new method for measuring ocean warming, revealing double-digit percentage gaps between observed warming and what climate models predict. The findings suggest the world's oceans may be absorbing heat at rates significantly different from current scientific estimates, raising questions about the accuracy of existing climate projections.

Divers in the Gili Islands, off Lombok in Indonesia, are sharing sightings of a moray eel during scuba dives around Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. The area is a popular dive destination, and posts tagged with scuba and marine life hashtags are drawing attention from diving communities, including travellers from Singapore.

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.

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.

Three swimmers were rescued in Ocean City after storm damage created dangerous rip currents along the coast. Emergency crews pulled the swimmers from the water, and officials are warning beachgoers about hazardous conditions left behind by the storm. Authorities are urging people to stay out of the surf or swim only where lifeguards are on duty while the dangerous currents persist.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ocean City, Maryland has issued a swimming advisory after three people were rescued from rough surf along its beaches. Authorities are warning swimmers to stay out of the water or use extreme caution while dangerous conditions persist. The incident highlights the risks posed by strong currents and heavy surf along the resort town's coastline.

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.