Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 6 hrs ago
El Niño drives record Pacific hurricane strength and longevity
The Pacific east of the international date line has set a record for accumulated cyclone energy, a measure that combines storms’ wind speed and how long they last.
The region produces storms that can head toward Hawaii, Mexico and the U.S. West Coast.
Researchers say activity surged after Hurricane Odalys formed on September 20, and Hurricane Simon is still active.
El Niño weakens high-altitude winds that can disrupt Pacific hurricanes, helping storms strengthen and persist.
The Pacific’s storm waters are also several degrees warmer than normal, providing more fuel.
Scientists say climate change has added to the warm water, while El Niño has helped suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic.
The Pacific is expected to tie and then break a record for the number of days with a hurricane spinning.
Another storm may soon form and strengthen, according to a researcher.
The Pacific east of the international date line has surpassed its previous record for accumulated cyclone energy, a measure that accounts for storms’ wind speed and duration.
Scientists say a strong El Niño and unusually warm water are helping Pacific hurricanes become powerful and last longer.
The region is still active, with Hurricane Simon in the area and another storm expected to strengthen, researcher Phil Klotzbach said.
The Pacific is also expected to tie and then break a record for the number of days with a hurricane spinning.
El Niño has helped suppress Atlantic hurricane activity, where accumulated cyclone energy is less than 18% of normal for this time of year.
- Who
- Pacific hurricanes, with researchers describing the activity and its causes.
- What
- The Pacific east of the international date line surpassed its accumulated cyclone energy record. Scientists attribute the intense, long-lasting storms largely to El Niño and warm water.
- When
- The record was passed on Sunday, after activity accelerated from September 20. The report was published October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Pacific east of the international date line.
- Why
- El Niño weakens and shifts high-altitude winds that can weaken storms, while warm water provides hurricane fuel.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hurricane Odalys formed, marking the start of the period Klotzbach described as unusually active.
The Pacific east of the date line passed the previous accumulated cyclone energy record set in 2018.
The Pacific was expected to tie the record for most days with a hurricane spinning and likely break it soon after.
- Previous accumulated cyclone energy record
- Set in 2018
- Record broken
- Sunday, in the Pacific east of the international date line
- Atlantic accumulated cyclone energy
- Less than 18% of normal for this time of year
- Storm formation cited by Klotzbach
- Odalys formed on September 20
What people are saying
Since September 20th, when Odalys formed, it’s been berserk
This year just everything that forms is just lasting a long time and getting really powerful.
It feels like almost everything that can spin up does spin up
Sources
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