Rare Train of Cyclones Fueled by Historic El Niño in the Pacific
Rare Train of Cyclones Fueled by Historic El Niño in the Pacific
US · Published Sep 4, 2026
A historic El Niño event is driving a rare sequence of cyclones across the Pacific Ocean, with two powerful hurricanes and a strengthening tropical storm currently active.
Hurricane Lowell has intensified to a Category 5 storm, moving westward, while Hurricane Karina, a Category 4 storm, is tracking northeast of Hawaii.

Impact & Risks

The cyclones are expected to cause significant impacts in the Pacific region. Swells generated by Hurricane Lowell are already affecting parts of the Hawaiian Islands, with the NHC warning of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions over the coming days. Hawaii, still recovering from Hurricane Lala's recent impact, may face additional challenges. Globally, the ongoing El Niño is linked to extreme weather events, including delayed rains in Sudan and warming seas affecting Peru's anchovy production. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño's effects will persist into 2027, with potential for more severe weather patterns worldwide.

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