Lead, South Dakota – The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is inviting residents and science enthusiasts to its next “Deep Talks” series on Thursday, November 5. The event, titled “Godzilla El Niño: Is it really that strong?”, will be held in the Homestake Visitor Center at 160 West Main Street.
South Dakota state fire meteorologist and associate professor at South Dakota Mines, Darren Clabo, will lead the discussion. Clabo will walk the audience through how El Niño is measured, its historical patterns, and why the current El Niño is expected to break records. He will also outline what the phenomenon could mean for the upcoming winter weather across the region.
The program begins with a social hour at 5 p.m., offering light refreshments for attendees to mingle before the talk. The formal presentation starts at 6 p.m. and is expected to run until 7 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available on the Sanford Lab website at sanfordlab.org.
Why the focus on El Niño matters to the Black Hills
El Niño events influence temperature and precipitation patterns nationwide, and the Black Hills region is no exception. A strong El Niño can bring milder winters, altered snowfall totals, and shifts in fire risk—issues that directly affect local farmers, outdoor recreation businesses, and emergency services. By understanding the science behind the forecast, community members can better prepare for potential impacts on agriculture, tourism, and public safety.
About the Deep Talks series
Deep Talks is a monthly forum hosted by SURF that brings together experts from a range of scientific fields to discuss topics of regional and national relevance. Past sessions have covered subjects such as dark matter research, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. The series aims to make cutting‑edge science accessible to the public while fostering dialogue between researchers and the community.
Sanford Lab encourages families, students, and anyone curious about the natural world to attend. The event is free, though registration is recommended to help with planning for refreshments and seating.
For more information, contact the Sanford Lab Visitor Center at (605) 555‑1234 or visit the lab’s website.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
