Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

PASADENA, Calif. (KESQ) – As Southern California braces for what forecasters are calling a severe El Niño, a pair of satellites are watching the weather that unfolds.

Sentinel 6 and Sentinel 6B, orbiting some 800+ miles above the Earth, constantly stare at our oceans. Every ten days, they’re able to map about 95% of them. In doing so, they can sense the changes that are fueling El Niño.

Scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, explained how it all works.

“[The satellites] send a radar wave down to the ocean and wait for it to bounce back up. And they just time how long it takes to go down and come back,” said Josh Willis, a climate scientist with JPL.

The vertical position of the satellites remain constant as they orbit the Earth. By knowing the position of the satellite in space and the time it takes for the radar waves to bounce back and forth, researchers can determine the average height of the water in a given area.

Each radar beam essentially maps a big circle on the ocean. The circle is about 10 kilometers, or 6 miles, in diameter. The heights of the top and bottom of the waves are collected, then averaged out.

“We’re looking down every second of every day measuring the planet’s oceans. And after about ten days, we can do the global average of sea level, and we can get an accuracy of global sea level change with just a few millimeters of accuracy,” he continued. “These satellites give us the biggest, clearest picture of El Nino that you can get.”

Warmer water physically stands taller. Measuring that change, scientists can focus in on the patterns that emerge. It’s especially important now, when sea surface temperatures are vastly warmer than usual due to El Niño.

“Not every El Niño means huge rains in Southern California,” said Willis. “But the satellites give us a picture of how this heat is moving around and how that’s going to play out on the weather. So by comparing it with past events, we really get a better idea of what’s going to happen this year.”

Scientists have been collecting this wave height data since the 1990s, which means they have access to decades of data, including the significant El Niño event of 1997. Sentinel 6, named “Michael Freilich” in honor of the late oceanographer who served as director of the NASA Earth Science division, launched in 2020. Sentinel 6B launched last year, joining Sentinel 6 in orbit. All of the data that is collected on the world’s oceans are available for public use; NASA’s catalog can be found by clicking here.

Willis said a wide group of forecasters, weather agencies, emergency planners, and more used the data to better understand and prepare for extreme weather events. Judging by the years of data they have banked so far, he was confident this year’s El Niño would be significant.

“This particular event seems to be as big, or maybe even bigger than the huge 1997 event, which caused trillions of dollars of damage around the planet.”

As El Niño intensifies, even residents here in the Coachella Valley are asked to prepare in the event of severe rain and flooding. You can find more of our El Niño coverage here.

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KESQ News Team

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) — The California Highway Patrol is investigating the death of a man who was found along State Route 243 north of Smith Creek Bridge Saturday morning.

CHP says officers received a report around 11:41 a.m. that a man was lying on the shoulder of the highway.

Fire department personnel arrived first and initially believed the man may have been injured in a traffic crash.

The man was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment, but despite lifesaving efforts, he died.

During the investigation, CHP officers found no evidence that a vehicle was involved.

Medical personnel later told investigators the man’s injuries did not appear consistent with a traffic collision and instead appeared to have been caused by a sharp-edged weapon.

CHP detectives are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details have been released.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the CHP Border Division Major Crimes Unit at 858-944-6300.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- A strengthening El Niño could bring a wetter-than-normal fall and winter to Southern California, prompting some Coachella Valley residents to start thinking about storm preparation before the rain arrives.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026-27. Forecasters also say there is a 75% chance the event reaches a level stronger than any El Niño recorded since 1950 during the October through December period.

NOAA’s latest seasonal outlook favors above-normal precipitation across the southern half of California from October through December, with wetter-than-normal conditions continuing to be favored across California later in the winter. Forecasters stress that El Niño increases the chances of certain weather patterns but does not guarantee heavy rain or flooding in any one community.

Preparation can include checking drainage around a home, securing outdoor items and keeping emergency supplies on hand. Sandbags, tarps, flashlights and other storm-related supplies can also help residents prepare before heavy rain moves in.

News Channel 3 spoke with Coachella Valley residents about whether they are concerned about another wet winter and how they prepare their homes ahead of storms. We also spoke with a locally owned hardware store in Palm Desert about what customers typically look for before a storm, what homeowners should have on hand, and why preparing early can make a difference.

Stay tuned for the full story tonight on News Channel 3.

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Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — Read With Me, a local nonprofit, is hosting a mixer tomorrow night at Giuseppe’s in Palm Desert from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The organization hopes to recruit up to 200 volunteers as it continues to expand into more schools.

Its motto, “Readers are Leaders,” reflects its mission to help students develop their reading skills by going into classrooms and reading individually with students of all levels.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information tonight and visit the organization’s website to learn more about how you can get involved.

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Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — For safety reasons, it’s important to make sure your car is working properly. From the engine to the tires, regular maintenance can catch problems before they become safety hazards.

When it comes to your tires, tread can wear quickly if your car is not properly aligned. But that wear isn’t always noticeable unless you take a closer look.

Tonight on News Channel 3, experts explain the dangers of poor wheel alignment and show how it can impact your tires and car.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Families in Indio had the chance Saturday morning to get help making sure their children are riding safely.

A child passenger safety event was held from 9 to 11 a.m., giving parents and caregivers the opportunity to have their car seats inspected and learn whether they were installed correctly.

Families who needed a new car seat were also able to receive one at the event.

Indio Police helped check the seats and worked with parents on proper installation and placement. The event also gave families a chance to ask questions about which type of seat is appropriate for their child.

News Channel 3 spoke with a local mother who attended the event, as well as Indio Police and Mayor Elaine Holmes.

Holmes discussed the importance of giving local families access to safety resources, while police focused on how proper car seat installation can help protect children in a crash.

The event comes during Child Passenger Safety Week, an annual effort focused on educating parents and caregivers about car seat and booster seat safety.

Officials encourage parents to regularly check that their child’s car seat is appropriate for their age and size and that it is installed correctly.

Stay tuned for the full story on News Channel 3.

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Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — As of September 24, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have risen to 7.03%, marking the first time they’ve climbed above 7% this year, according to Freddie Mac.

The last time they were above 7% was January 2025, but rates have been on a steady climb from their 52-week low of 5.98% in February.

Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank are currently listing rates at 7.375% for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.

Tonight, News Channel 3 is speaking with an expert to learn more about how this impacts buyers, sellers and the future of homebuying in the Coachella Valley.

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Luis Avila

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) — The sounds of gourd rattles, singing and dancing filled the area outside Morongo Casino Friday as the 35th annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow got underway.

The three-day celebration brings together thousands of people, including more than 900 dancers and 20 drum groups from across the United States and Canada.

For the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the event is about more than entertainment. It is an opportunity for families and communities to come together, share stories and continue traditions passed down through generations.

“It’s a time to come together so we’re having families from across the nation come back, we’re sharing stories,” said Maria Lorenzo, cultural event coordinator for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Lorenzo said seeing so many people gather is also a reminder of how important it is to have spaces where Native communities can come together.

“It makes me proud to see everyone come together,” Lorenzo said. “Back in history we weren’t allowed to congregate so to be able to hold these gatherings, it’s a place to come together.”

Visitors can experience Native American culture through traditional dancing, music, food and art throughout the weekend.

More than 100 vendors are taking part, offering food including Indian tacos, tamales and frybread, along with Native American jewelry, beadwork, pottery, clothing and basketry.

The powwow also highlights the Cahuilla tradition of bird singing.

Geronimo Holmes, a bird singer with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, said the tradition tells the story of the Cahuilla people’s migration and has been passed down through his family.

“I learned from my father, he learned from my older uncles and elders and they pass it down to us and it’s important for us to keep those up,” Holmes said.

The event comes as California recognizes Native American Day on September 25. Governor Gavin Newsom also proclaimed the day and signed a package of bills focused on tribal priorities.

For Lorenzo, the recognition is another reminder of the resilience of Native communities.

“It’s just recognition that we’re still here, we’re still alive,” Lorenzo said. “We’re resilient people, we’re your neighbors.”

The next generation is also a major part of the celebration, with young children participating alongside older dancers and family members.

Lorenzo said watching the youngest dancers is one of the most meaningful parts of the event.

“Watching the tiny tots dance. Little kids barely starting to learn and they have the older generations to look up to,” she said.

The Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow continues through Sunday at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon. Admission is free.

Grand Entry is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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City News Service

BLYTHE, Calif. (KESQ) – Three construction workers killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 10 in Blythe last week were working on a $241 million state pavement project, officials said today.

The crash was reported at about 5:15 a.m. Friday on eastbound I-10 east of Intake Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A preliminary investigation determined a big rig was traveling east at an unconfirmed speed when it struck a parked attenuator construction vehicle and an occupied Chevrolet Silverado before colliding with a water truck, the CHP stated.

“During the sequence of events, three construction workers were also struck and sustained fatal injuries,” the department said.

The three men killed were identified Saturday as Christopher Benavidez Guatemala of Coachella, 27, Alfonso Vega Torres of Coachella, 50, and 39-year-old Francisco Morales Mendoza of Tonopah, Arizona, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.

The driver, identified as a 44-year-old Redlands man, sustained major injuries to his head and leg and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. His medical status was not immediately known as of Tuesday.

“Due to this being a complex investigation, there is no updated info currently,” CHP Officer Jack Barron said.

Alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors in the collision, the agency stated.

A spokesperson for Caltrans District 8 told City News Service on Tuesday that the three men were working for Fisher Industries of North Dakota, a sub-contractor on the I-10 Blythe Pavement Rehabilitation Project. The project involves a “beautification monument,” push-button posts to American with Disabilities Act standards, concrete pavement rehabilitation of 88 lane miles, on- and off-ramps, shoulders and 11,950 linear feet of new guardrail systems, and upgrades to bridges, curb ramps, sidewalks and crosswalk safety enhancements.

Construction work is expected to continue until at least this winter, weather permitting.

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Gabriella Salguero

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. — Joshua Tree National Park is facing a $1.2 million funding block affecting 10 projects as the U.S. Department of the Interior withholds more than $25 million in planned National Park Service funding nationwide.

According to documents reviewed by The Washington Post, Joshua Tree has more affected projects than any other national park. The funding was intended for wildfire preparation, restoration of burned areas and removal of rodents that can carry hantavirus.

An internal assessment warned that without the wildfire-related work, “the park will be unable to fight wildfire.”

Former Joshua Tree Superintendent Mark Butler, a 38-year National Park Service veteran, criticized the decision, saying he had never seen anything like it during his career.

The blocked projects had already secured funding through congressional appropriations, federal programs and internal National Park Service resources. At least 16 positions were also expected to be supported by the Joshua Tree projects.

The cuts come as the park faces significant infrastructure needs and ongoing wildfire risks, raising concerns about its ability to protect visitors, maintain facilities and respond to emergencies.

Joshua Tree is one of several California parks affected by the funding decision, alongside Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Mojave National Preserve and other National Park Service sites.

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