Rare train of Pacific cyclones fueled by historic El Niño
In September 2026, a rare sequence of three cyclones, Hurricanes Lowell and Karina, along with Tropical Storm Marie, formed in the Pacific Ocean, driven by a historically strong El Niño event. These storms were fueled by unusually warm ocean temperatures, which are linked to the El Niño phenomenon. The National Hurricane Center reported that both Category 4 hurricanes were expected to pass south and northeast of Hawaii, though there was uncertainty regarding their exact paths and potential impacts on the islands. This follows recent damage from Hurricane Lala, which affected Hawaii earlier in the month. Climate scientists noted that such a 'train' of cyclones is uncommon, with a similar occurrence recorded during the 2015 El Niño year. The current El Niño has a high probability of becoming the strongest on record and is contributing to extreme weather globally, including disruptions in Peru’s fishing industry and delayed rains in Sudan.
A rare formation of three tropical cyclones, two Category 4 hurricanes and a strengthening tropical storm, was moving across the Pacific Ocean on September 2, 2026, driven by unusually warm ocean temperatures linked to a historic El Niño event. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Lowell, the farthest west of the three, was positioned approximately 440 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii, while Hurricane Karina followed to the east. Both storms were expected to pass south and northeast of Hawaii, respectively, though their exact paths remained uncertain. Behind them, Tropical Storm Marie, located a few hundred miles south of Baja California, was predicted to develop into a hurricane within the day. The NHC warned that swells from Lowell could generate life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in parts of the Hawaiian Islands over the coming days. The agency noted that long-range forecasts for the storms' tracks and intensities were more uncertain than usual. Hawaii was still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Lala, which had recently affected the southern portion of the Big Island, causing destructive winds and severe flash flooding. Julia Cole, a climate scientist at the University of Michigan, stated that the occurrence of three simultaneous hurricanes in the Pacific was "definitely rare to see." She explained that the El Niño phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, creates ideal conditions for storm development. Warm waters act as a fuel source for hurricanes, and the reduced wind shear associated with El Niño allows these systems to intensify. Benjamin Kirtman, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Miami, emphasized that the climate system has warmed significantly over the past two decades. He described the current sea surface temperature anomaly, measuring how much warmer the ocean is compared to historical averages, as nearly reaching record highs. “There’s no other way to put it, it is juicy out there right now,” Kirtman said. A similar pattern of multiple concurrent cyclones was observed in 2015, another year marked by a strong El Niño. That year saw four storms, Typhoon Kilo, Hurricane Ignacio, Hurricane Jimena, and Tropical Depression 14E, moving simultaneously across the Pacific. The current El Niño has a 69% chance of becoming the strongest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Despite not yet reaching its peak, it has already triggered extreme weather conditions globally. Peru, the world's largest producer of anchovies, faces economic challenges due to declining fish stocks caused by warming seas. In Sudan, delayed monsoon rains attributed to El Niño have led to a sharp decline in water levels in the Nile River. El Niño is the warming phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural climatic cycle occurring every two to seven years. It begins when trade winds weaken, allowing warm water to shift eastward from the western Pacific. These changes lead to increased storm activity in certain regions and altered weather patterns elsewhere. Climate change amplifies the effects of El Niño by increasing the amount of moisture held in the atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall in areas affected by the phenomenon. It also exacerbates droughts in regions where El Niño typically causes dry conditions. While there is ongoing debate about whether climate change directly causes stronger El Niños, recent studies suggest that El Niño events have become more intense in the past 40 years compared to the preindustrial era. As the three hurricanes continue their path across the Pacific, meteorologists and climate scientists are closely monitoring their movements and potential impacts. With El Niño showing no signs of abating, the global community remains vigilant for further weather extremes.
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Three Pacific hurricanes, Lowell, Karina, and Marie, are forming simultaneously, a rare event linked to a strong El Niño phenomenon. Scientists note that warm ocean temperatures, driven by El Niño, create ideal conditions for hurricane formation and intensification. The National Hurricane Center warns of dangerous swells and rip currents affecting Hawaii, which is still recovering from recent storm damage. Climate experts highlight the broader impact of warming oceans, citing record-high sea surface temperatures and historical parallels to the 2015 El Niño event. Global effects include disruptions to fisheries in Peru and delayed rainfall in Sudan.
Bias read (Center): The article presents scientific consensus on the relationship between El Niño, ocean temperatures, and hurricane activity without overt ideological framing. It cites multiple expert opinions from climate scientists and reports on both environmental and economic impacts without taking sides on policy
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the formation of three Pacific hurricanes (Lowell, Karina, and Marie) and attributes them to a strong El Niño event, citing the National Hurricane Center (NHC) as a primary source. It includes specific details about storm positions, intensities, and potential impacts o
Why objectivity (90): The tone remains neutral, presenting facts without emotional language. However, the phrase 'rare trio' and the quote from Julia Cole may subtly emphasize the significance of the event, though this is common in reporting on unusual weather patterns.
An article reports on three simultaneous hurricanes, Karina, Lowell, and Marie, that are currently active in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists attribute this rare occurrence to a strong El Niño event, which warms ocean temperatures and reduces wind shear, creating favorable conditions for storm development. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) notes that while Karina has slightly weakened, it remains a Category 4 hurricane, and Lowell is expected to persist as a major hurricane. The article highlights the impact of El Niño on global weather patterns, referencing historical instances like the 2015 El Niño season. It also mentions Peru's fishing industry suffering due to warming seas.
Bias read (Center): The article presents scientific explanations and data from credible institutions such as the National Hurricane Center and university researchers. While it discusses the environmental and economic impacts of El Niño, it does not take a partisan stance or emphasize specific political agendas. The phr
Why factuality (95): This article mirrors the first in content, accurately referencing the NHC data regarding the three hurricanes and their connection to El Niño. It provides similar details about storm positions, expected behavior, and impacts on Hawaii. The inclusion of the WMO warning adds additional context without
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, using standard journalistic phrasing. While it mentions the rarity of the event, it does not take a stance on the implications beyond what is reported. The slight variation in wording between the two articles does not affect objectivity.
In September 2026, a rare sequence of three cyclones, Hurricanes Lowell and Karina, along with Tropical Storm Marie, formed in the Pacific Ocean, driven by a historically strong El Niño event. These storms were fueled by unusually warm ocean temperatures, which are linked to the El Niño phenomenon. The National Hurricane Center reported that both Category 4 hurricanes were expected to pass south and northeast of Hawaii, though there was uncertainty regarding their exact paths and potential impacts on the islands. This follows recent damage from Hurricane Lala, which affected Hawaii earlier in the month. Climate scientists noted that such a 'train' of cyclones is uncommon, with a similar occurrence recorded during the 2015 El Niño year. The current El Niño has a high probability of becoming the strongest on record and is contributing to extreme weather globally, including disruptions in Peru’s fishing industry and delayed rains in Sudan.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of meteorological phenomena and their climatic causes, citing scientific experts and official reports. It does not take a clear stance on any political issue, nor does it exhibit biased language or selective sourcing. The focus is on environmental science and a
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on the formation and movement of three Pacific cyclones during a strong El Niño event, citing NOAA and NHC sources. It provides historical context by comparing this event to the 2015 El Niño year, which aligns with known climatological patterns. The mention of climate
Why objectivity (78): The article presents information in a generally neutral tone, using standard journalistic language. It includes quotes from a climate scientist to provide expert commentary, which is appropriate. However, there is a slight editorial tilt in emphasizing the rarity of such events and linking them dire
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