Warming Seas Across the Equatorial Pacific

A dramatic change in tropical trade winds has resulted in warming seas across the equatorial Pacific. After two continuous years scientists are calling the end of the La Niña weather cycle and are now on El Niño Watch.

As of late March, ENSO-neutral conditions were occurring, but El Niño conditions may develop between May and July affecting weather patterns around the world. The sea-surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are warmer than usual, in fact scientists are saying April 2023 will be by far the hottest month for the Earth’s oceans we’ve ever measured.

Warming ocean temperatures may be contributing to the increased growth of Sargassum and lengthening the growing season. Scientists are saying that if you haven’t heard of the great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, chances are high that you’ll be hearing about it the northern hemisphere this summer. The mass of seaweed looming in the Atlantic Ocean is now officially record-breaking.