Two Giant Warming Patterns in the Pacific Set to Transform US Weather and Ecosystems A rare but powerful combination of an immense Pacific Ocean heatwave and a "super El Niño" is set to have profound effects on US weather and marine life this autumn. Scientists warn that the interplay of these two phenomena will reshape coastal conditions, intensify extreme weather events, and disrupt ecosystems across the West Coast and beyond. The heatwave, which began in May 2025, has already raised surface temperatures in the north-east Pacific by 3-4°C (5.4-7.2°F) above average for this time of year. Meanwhile, a developing El Niño event, expected to reach its peak this autumn, is amplifying the warming trend, potentially becoming the strongest in living memory. The north-east Pacific heatwave, described by NOAA oceanographer Andrew Leising as a "bright red eyeball" spanning the ocean, is already causing widespread ecological stress. Marine life is struggling as warmer waters reduce nutrient availability and oxygen levels, forcing species to migrate or perish. In California, where the heatwave has persisted since December, coastal water levels are already 15cm (5.9in) above mean sea level. During the El Niño, this rise is projected to increase by another 15-30cm (5.9-11.8in), significantly elevating flood risks for coastal communities. Warmer ocean temperatures also enhance evaporation, fueling heavier rainfall and atmospheric rivers that could trigger inland flooding and mudslides. In the Pacific Northwest and Canada, the combined effects of El Niño and the marine heatwave are expected to reduce snowfall and exacerbate drought conditions.#pacific_ocean #oregon_state_university #noaa #andrew_leising #larry_oneill
Oregon State Hires Justin Joyner as New Head Coach Oregon State University has announced the hiring of Justin Joyner as its next head men’s basketball coach, according to sources cited by ESPN. Joyner, who previously served as an assistant under Dusty May at the University of Michigan, will take over the program following the departure of Wayne Tinkle. Joyner joined the Michigan coaching staff in 2022 after spending seven seasons at Saint Mary’s University, where he worked under head coach Randy Bennett. During his tenure in Moraga, California, the Gaels compiled a 171-60 record and made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament. At Michigan, Joyner contributed to the Wolverines’ transformation into a national championship contender. The team improved from an 8-24 record in the 2021-22 season to a 27-10 mark in 2022-23, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16. A native of California, Joyner played college basketball at UC Santa Barbara before entering coaching. His appointment marks the end of Tinkle’s 12-year tenure at Oregon State, during which the Beavers made two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2021. Tinkle’s departure follows a period of transition for the program, as Oregon State has competed in the West Coast Conference since the collapse of the old Pac-12. Looking ahead, Oregon State will return to a full Pac-12 schedule in 2024. The Beavers will join a restructured league that includes Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, and Washington State. This shift signals a renewed focus on conference competition for the program.#dusty_may #oregon_state_university #justin_joyner #university_of_michigan #st_mary_s_university
