Environment & Climate
Series of major cyclones moves across Pacific amid historically strong El Niño
Forecasters track Hurricane Lowell, Hurricane Karina, and Tropical Storm Marie as elevated sea temperatures drive intense storm activity.
The short version
- A rare line of three tropical systems—Category 5 Hurricane Lowell, Category 4 Hurricane Karina, and Tropical Storm Marie—is tracking across the Pacific Ocean.
- The National Hurricane Center warned that Lowell's swells will generate life-threatening surf and rip currents across parts of Hawaii.
- Atmospheric scientists attribute the activity to warm ocean waters and low wind shear linked to an El Niño event that could become the strongest on record.
Key facts
- Hurricane Lowell intensified into a Category 5 system, while Hurricane Karina reached Category 4 status as both track across the Pacific Ocean.[France 24]
- The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Lowell is generating large ocean swells expected to cause hazardous surf and rip currents in Hawaii.[France 24]
- Tropical Storm Marie was positioned south of Baja California with expectations from forecasters to strengthen into a hurricane.[France 24]
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated a 69 percent probability that the current El Niño will be the strongest ever recorded.[France 24]
- The World Meteorological Organization expects the El Niño climate pattern to continue through February, reaching its peak near the end of the year.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- The precise timing and magnitude of Marie's intensification into a hurricane remain subject to ongoing forecast updates.[France 24]