World News
Strong El Niño creates contrasting Pacific and Atlantic hurricane activity
High wind shear suppresses Atlantic storms while warm Pacific waters fuel intense cyclones
The short version
- An unusually strong El Niño pattern is driving high hurricane activity in the Pacific Ocean while suppressing storm formation in the Atlantic.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- As of late September 2026, the Pacific has recorded 18 hurricanes and 41 named storms, whereas the Atlantic has seen no full-blown hurricanes.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- Increased wind shear disrupts Atlantic storms, while warm Pacific waters reduce shear and fuel rapid storm intensification.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- Scientists are monitoring global weather impacts, including altered monsoon patterns, winter weather shifts, and drought risks.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
Key facts
- By late September 2026, the Pacific Ocean recorded 18 hurricanes and 41 named storms.[NPR]
- The Atlantic Ocean recorded zero full-blown hurricanes through late September 2026, a phenomenon unseen since satellite tracking began in 1966.[Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- Sea-surface temperatures in the key Pacific region rose more than 3 °C above normal.[Deutsche Welle]
- Hurricane Polo intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in under 24 hours off Mexico's coast.[NPR]
What remains uncertain
- Scientists remain uncertain whether human-caused climate change is actively driving stronger El Niño events.[NPR]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.