Pacific sees active hurricane season while Atlantic remains quiet

The short version

• The central and eastern Pacific has seen multiple storms affect Hawaii this year, whereas the Atlantic basin has recorded no hurricanes so far.[Scientific American]
• Researchers attribute the dynamic to an El Niño pattern, which tends to foster Pacific storm activity while suppressing Atlantic hurricane formation.[Scientific American]
• Federal meteorologists previously forecast a below-normal Atlantic season of two to six hurricanes, and a lack of storms past September 12 would mark a historic delay.[Scientific American]

Key facts

• Hawaii has been impacted by several storms this season, including Fausto, Lala, Moke, and Lowell.[Scientific American]
• The Atlantic basin has recorded no hurricanes so far this season.[Scientific American]
• El Niño conditions typically suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic while boosting favorable storm conditions in the central and eastern Pacific.[Scientific American]
• Federal meteorologists previously estimated the Atlantic would produce between two and six hurricanes in a below-normal season.[Scientific American]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• The Pacific is being beset by hurricane after hurricane—why is the Atlantic so quiet?Scientific American metered