A very strong El Niño is underway in the tropical Pacific and is expected to persist into spring 2027. But El Niño is not a storm—it is an unusually large-scale warming of the Pacific Ocean large enough to rearrange weather across the planet.
In this talk, we will explore what El Niño is, how NOAA monitors and forecasts it, and how a shift in tropical ocean temperatures can influence U.S. storm tracks, hurricane seasons, and agricultural conditions worldwide. The talk will also examine the outlook for the coming months and the uncertainties that remain.
Presenter
Dr. Andrew Hoell
Dr. Andrew Hoell is a Research Meteorologist at NOAA’s Physical Sciences Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, where he develops tools and insights to help anticipate drought and other hydrological extremes. Much of his research focuses on understanding how large-scale ocean-atmosphere phenomena, including El Niño, influence regional weather and climate extremes, and how far in advance those extremes can be predicted.
Dr. Hoell works to translate prediction and predictability science into actionable information for decision-makers regarding food and water security. He collaborates closely with the Famine Early Warning Systems Network and the National Integrated Drought Information System. He is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Want more NEDTalks?
This October, join us for three Friday NOAA Environmental Data (NED) Talks at noon exploring the past, present and potential future of El Niño. We’ll look at historical events, how NOAA monitors ENSO, and what current data can tell us about potential impacts on weather, drought and ecosystems.