NASA satellites enhance hurricane forecasting during El Niño

NASA and European agencies are utilizing the Sentinel-6B and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellites to enhance hurricane forecasting and monitor sea level changes during the El Niño phenomenon. As part of the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission, these two satellites fly in the same orbit with only a 30-second interval between them, allowing for nearly simultaneous measurements of the ocean surface.

By measuring sea surface height, wave size, and wind speed, scientists can identify areas of concentrated ocean heat. Because warmer water expands and raises the sea level, these measurements provide critical data on the energy available to fuel storms. This capability is particularly vital during El Niño, which redistributes ocean heat from the western Pacific to the east, altering global weather patterns and shifting tropical cyclone activity.

Since its launch in November 2025, Sentinel-6B has been providing low-latency data to support weather forecasting models. This information helps researchers predict how quickly and intensely storms may develop, aiding in the protection of coastal communities and infrastructure.