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How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic and Pacific
As the globe transitions into an El Niño climate pattern, temperatures in the waters in the Pacific Ocean are on the rise. It comes just as the Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially begins on Friday, May 15.
TL;DR
- El Niño pattern is causing Pacific Ocean waters to warm.
- Warmer waters and reduced wind shear in the Eastern Pacific favor increased hurricane activity.
- El Niño typically leads to cooler waters and more wind shear in the Atlantic, suggesting fewer storms.
- The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially begins May 15.
- The last El Niño in 2023 saw 20 tropical systems in the Eastern Pacific, including Hurricane Hilary.
- The Eastern Pacific hurricane name list for this season starts with Amanda.
- The National Hurricane Center will monitor the Eastern Pacific throughout the season.