As El Niño intensifies, Rio turns to science — and a spiritual advisor

NPR | By Catherine Osborn

Published September 3, 2026 at 4:32 PM EDT

This year's Super El Niño has brought unprecedented weather to Rio de Janeiro. Unaccustomed to tornado-strength winds, the city found an unusual partner to combat the weather: a spiritual adviser.

Catherine Osborn

See stories by Catherine Osborn

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Lindsay Clancy jury fails to reach a consensus on sixth day of deliberations

Deborah Becker

There was drama in the courtroom Thursday in the trial of the Massachusetts mother charged with murdering her three children. The jury has been trying to reach consensus for six days.
International forecasters warn countries need to be prepared for a powerful El Niño

Lauren Sommer

Forecasters are expecting the El Niño weather pattern to strengthen significantly this year, raising the risks of extreme weather around the world well into 2027.
Lexington/Richmond

Lexington's Lyric Theater board ousts executive director with few details

Shepherd Snyder

Christian Adair had been the historic theater's executive director since 2023.
NPR News

Trump asks Supreme Court to lift block on USPS plan to restrict mail voting

Hansi Lo Wang

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to lift a temporary block on the U.S. Postal Service plan for President Trump's attempt to restrict mail-in voting for the midterm election.
Why the U.S. Treasury is buying back double the government bonds it normally does

Wailin Wong

The U.S. Treasury is planning to buy back at least double the long-dated government bonds it usually does. Will the plan pit the Treasury secretary against both the bond markets and the Fed?