El Niño fuels Pacific hurricane surge while Atlantic remains unusually calm

This hurricane season has been unusually active in the Pacific, with Hawaii experiencing Hurricane Fausto in July, followed by Hurricane Lala, Tropical Storm Moke in August, and most recently Hurricane Lowell skirting the islands. In contrast, the Atlantic basin has not produced a single hurricane, a situation that would set a record if the first storm forms after September 12, the latest since records began in 1966. Scientists point to a strong El Niño as the primary driver, producing warmer-than-normal waters across the eastern Pacific and markedly low vertical wind shear, conditions that promote cyclone formation.

Meteorologist Michael Lowry notes that storms near Hawaii are rare, with only six historic close approaches in over 75 years. Meanwhile, the Atlantic endures high wind shear, keeping any nascent cyclones weak and short-lived, as illustrated by Tropical Storm Dolly. Although forecasts predict a below-normal Atlantic season, officials caution that September remains the peak period and a late-season hurricane is still possible.