How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic and Pacific

Key Points:

• The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins on May 15 amid rising Pacific Ocean temperatures due to the transition into an El Niño climate pattern, which typically fuels increased tropical cyclone activity.
• El Niño reduces vertical wind shear over the Eastern Pacific, creating favorable conditions for the formation and sustained development of tropical storms and hurricanes in the region.
• Conversely, El Niño tends to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin by increasing wind shear and cooling waters, potentially leading to a below-average Atlantic hurricane season.
• The 2023 Eastern Pacific season, during the last El Niño, saw 20 tropical systems including Hurricane Hilary, which caused significant damage in the U.S. and Mexico; the 2025 season featured 18 systems with Hurricane Kiko impacting near Hawaii.
• The 2024 Eastern Pacific hurricane season will start with the names Amanda, Boris, Cristina, and Douglas, with the National Hurricane Center providing frequent updates and monitoring throughout the season.