Pacific Hurricane Season Intensifies Amid Quiet Atlantic Conditions
Pacific Hurricane Season Intensifies Amid Quiet Atlantic Conditions
US · Published Sep 11, 2026
The Pacific Ocean is experiencing an unusually active hurricane season, with multiple storms impacting areas near Hawaii, including Hurricane Fausto, Hurricane Lala, Tropical Storm Moke, and Hurricane Lowell.
This heightened activity is attributed to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the East Pacific, which are well above normal up to 20 degrees North latitude, and notably low vertical wind shear.

Impact & Risks

The Pacific's active hurricane season has brought significant weather impacts to Hawaii, which typically experiences fewer hurricanes due to cooler waters and strong trade winds. This year, however, the region has faced multiple storms, including Hurricane Lowell, which grazed the western part of the archipelago. Historically, only six hurricanes have come within 50 miles of Hawaii in the past 75 years. In contrast, the Atlantic's quiet season has reduced risks for coastal communities, though experts caution that hurricane activity could still develop later in the season. The disparity highlights the influence of El Niño and changing climate patterns on global hurricane activity (Scientific American, September 10, 2026).

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