The Pacific is churning with hurricanes. The Atlantic is quiet. Blame El Niño

This year has seen an unusual hurricane season, with the Pacific Ocean experiencing a surge in storms while the Atlantic remains unusually calm. As of late September, the Pacific has recorded 18 hurricanes and 41 named storms, while the Atlantic has not seen any hurricanes, only seven less-intense tropical storms. This disparity is attributed to a strong El Niño climate pattern, which fuels storms in the Pacific and suppresses them in the Atlantic. Hawaii is particularly affected, facing potential flooding from Hurricane Nolo, the third hurricane threat this year. El Niño, characterized by warmer Pacific waters, intensifies storms and alters global weather patterns. This year’s El Niño is expected to be the strongest on record, with Pacific water temperatures already at unprecedented highs. QUESTION: How might the increasing intensity of El Niño events impact global weather patterns and communities in the future?