tropical Pacific

Meteorologists report that this year's El Niño is on track to be the strongest ever recorded, surpassing previous events in measured ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific. Scientists warn the event could offer a preview of conditions typical of a warmer climate future, with potential for extreme weather worldwide. The warning comes as global temperatures have already been breaking records throughout the event.

The Pacific Ocean is experiencing a chaotic stretch of hurricane activity, with multiple storms churning across the basin at once. Commenters and news readers are noting how unusually crowded and disruptive the season has become, drawing attention to the wider pattern of intense tropical weather and what it says about warming ocean conditions.

The Guardian has published an explainer on El Niño, the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific that can drive droughts, floods and heatwaves across the globe. The piece outlines what causes the phenomenon, how it disrupts weather patterns, and what steps communities and governments can take to reduce the risks it poses.

Hawaii is facing its third near miss from a tropical storm this season, according to an Atlantic report on an unusually crowded Pacific hurricane season. Forecasters note the central Pacific has seen an exceptional number of storms tracking close to the islands, raising questions about whether climate patterns are making such close calls more frequent. Residents and officials are watching each new system warily as the season continues.

Forecasters say El Niño is driving a stark divide in tropical activity this hurricane season. The pattern has strengthened winds over the Atlantic, tearing storms apart and keeping that basin unusually calm, while warm Pacific waters are generating repeated hurricanes. Meteorologists expect the imbalance to persist as long as El Niño conditions hold through the season.

Tropical Storm Polo has strengthened in the Pacific and is expected to make landfall in Mexico before its remnants push into the Southwestern United States. Forecasters warn of heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of Mexico and the US Southwest, including areas like Las Vegas, as the storm tracks north.

Hurricanes off the Pacific coast are sending heavy surf to Southern California beaches and bringing rain to parts of the Southwest, according to the Los Angeles Times. Coastal communities are watching for dangerous rip currents and high waves, while inland areas of the Southwest could see much-needed rainfall from the tropical moisture. Residents are being urged to use caution near the water as conditions develop.