A powerful El Niño event is rapidly forming in the Pacific Ocean. A satellite operated by NASA has captured a huge build-up of heat beneath the ocean surface, raising concerns about its impact on global weather patterns. New observations from NASA’s Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite show that sea levels along parts of the equatorial Pacific Ocean are unusually high. Scientists say this is a sign that large amounts of warm water are accumulating below the ocean surface.
Why Rising Sea Levels Matter
El Niño is linked to warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean. As warm water expands, it causes sea levels to rise. The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially declared the arrival of El Niño on June 11. Scientists use sea-level measurements to estimate how much heat is stored beneath the ocean surface.
Conditions Similar to the 1997 ‘Godzilla El Niño’
Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory say the current conditions in the western Pacific Ocean closely resemble those seen in 1997. That year witnessed one of the strongest El Niño events ever recorded, often referred to as the “Godzilla El Niño.” Scientists believe the current event is continuing to strengthen and could become one of the most powerful El Niño episodes in decades.
Pacific Ocean Sea Levels Continue to Rise
Using satellite data, researchers created a map showing ocean conditions on June 8. On the map, red areas indicate higher-than-normal sea levels, white areas show normal conditions, and blue areas represent lower sea levels.
The satellite has also detected Kelvin waves, massive bodies of warm water that travel across the Pacific Ocean. These waves can stretch hundreds of miles wide and often play a major role in strengthening El Niño events.
Impact Could Be Felt Across the World
Experts have issued several warnings about the potential effects of this El Niño event. The World Meteorological Organization has already warned that above-average temperatures could spread across much of the world. Scientists believe this El Niño could become one of the most influential climate events of the past 150 years. Higher global temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns and more extreme weather conditions are expected in many regions.
What It Could Mean for India
India is already experiencing intense heat in several regions. Scientists warn that El Niño could affect the monsoon season, potentially reducing rainfall in some areas. A weaker monsoon could put additional pressure on agriculture, water resources and the country’s economy. Experts say the impact of El Niño will be closely monitored in the coming months as weather agencies assess its effect on India and the rest of the world.
How will it affect Pakistan?
El Niño has a major impact on Pakistan, bringing intense heatwaves, reducing monsoon rainfall, and increasing the chances of severe droughts as well as sudden flash floods.
First published on: Jun 24, 2026 06:24 PM IST
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