tropical Pacific

NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service is highlighting forecasts of a very strong El Nino in 2026-2027, warning that unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific could reshape weather patterns worldwide. Strong El Nino events typically bring heavier rains to parts of the Americas, drought to Australia and Southeast Asia, and altered hurricane and monsoon seasons, prompting scientists to urge early preparation.

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.

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.

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.

Tropical Storm Rachel has formed off Mexico's southwest coast, according to forecasters. The system is the latest named storm to develop in the eastern Pacific, and officials are monitoring its projected path and potential impact on coastal areas. Residents in the region are being advised to follow updates from meteorological authorities as the storm evolves.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami is monitoring Tropical Storm Fay in the Atlantic while Hurricane Polo moves on a path toward Mexico's Pacific coast. Forecasters are watching both systems closely for potential impacts on coastal areas, with residents in affected regions advised to stay informed as tracks and intensity forecasts are updated.

Tropical Storm Polo has strengthened in the Pacific and is forecast to approach Mexico's coast, with moisture expected to spread into the southwestern United States. Forecasters warn the system could bring heavy rain and flooding to Mexico before its remnants soak parts of the Southwest US. Residents in affected areas are being urged to monitor official updates as the storm's path becomes clearer.

Hurricane Polo is being tracked off the Pacific coast, with forecasters watching whether its trajectory could bring moisture, rain or surf impacts to Southern California. While hurricanes rarely hit the region directly, remnant tropical systems can deliver significant rainfall and flooding. Residents are following updates as the storm's path becomes clearer over the coming days.

Forecasters are tracking continued tropical activity in the Eastern Pacific while also monitoring a new area of interest in the Atlantic basin. The twin-basin update signals that hurricane season remains busy on both sides of Central America, with residents in coastal regions advised to follow the latest forecasts as the systems develop.

Tropical Storm Nolo has accelerated on a westward track, prompting officials to cancel the Tropical Storm Watch for Maui. The downgrade means the island no longer faces an imminent threat of tropical-storm conditions as the storm moves away. Residents are advised to monitor official updates as Nolo continues across the central Pacific and forecasters track its changing path and intensity.