El Niño Set to Boost 2026 Pacific Hurricanes as Atlantic Activity Eases

5 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 15

Eastern Pacific hurricane season opened May 15 with forecasters expecting El Niño to raise 2026 storm activity there while suppressing the Atlantic basin.
Warmer Pacific waters and reduced vertical wind shear give tropical systems a better chance to form and stay organized, while the Atlantic faces cooler waters and stronger shear.
In 2023—the last El Niño year—the Eastern Pacific produced 20 tropical systems, including Hurricane Hilary, which caused 3 deaths and more than $900 million in damage across Mexico and the U.S.
Last year's La Niña pattern saw 18 Eastern Pacific tropical systems, and the National Hurricane Center will now issue outlooks through the season as the first names on the 2026 list begin with Amanda and Boris.

How will a 'Super El Niño' and a record heat blob create historically powerful Pacific hurricanes?

Will this powerful El Niño finally bring a direct hurricane strike to Hawaii or the U.S. Southwest?

How will the 'Gulf of America' name change affect international cooperation during this potentially severe hurricane season?