May Outlook: Will El Niño supercharge Pacific storms?
• The 2026 Pacific hurricane season, starting May 15, could turn unusually active as El Niño and exceptionally warm ocean waters fuel storm development.
• Forecasters expect above-average storms, with heightened risks for Mexico, Hawaii and even Southern California.
• Activity may intensify through summer into late season, with potential for rapid strengthening storms, flooding rain and coastal impacts.
Why It's Important?
El Niño, a climate pattern with warmer sea temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, can greatly affect global weather. It is expected to create a more favorable environment for hurricane formation and intensification in the Pacific basin.
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