The Pacific Ocean is experiencing the simultaneous formation of three cyclones amid an unprecedentedly strong El Niño influence, which scientists say is a rare phenomenon.
On 3 Sep 2026 GMT+7, a team of climate scientists from the University of Michigan, USA, revealed that two strong hurricanes and one tropical storm are moving through the Pacific Ocean amid rising sea temperatures linked to an unusually intense El Niño event.
They reported that the westernmost storm is Hurricane Lowell, followed by Hurricane Karina; both are Category 4 and are expected to move south and northeast of Hawaii respectively. However, there is uncertainty about their exact paths, with a possibility that Hurricane Lowell may approach the westernmost Hawaiian islands. Additionally, to the east of Lowell and Karina, Tropical Storm Marie is currently several hundred kilometers south of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by 3 Sep 2026 GMT+7.
Experts explain that elevated sea temperatures from El Niño are a key factor enabling the formation and rapid intensification of these storms. When the tropical Pacific Ocean warms beyond normal levels, the likelihood of severe storms increases. They note that having three cyclones aligned simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean is an exceptionally rare occurrence.
Benjamin Kurtman, an atmospheric scientist from the University of Miami, said the ocean has warmed significantly over the past 20 years, with warm waters fueling storms. Meanwhile, El Niño’s influence reduces vertical wind shear over the Pacific, creating conditions favorable for hurricanes to intensify.
Meanwhile, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates a 69% chance that this year’s El Niño will be the strongest ever recorded, causing extreme weather conditions in many parts of the world. The phenomenon is expected to peak between October and December.
Source: AFP