Atlantic Stays Quiet While Pacific Sees Active Hurricane Season
The Atlantic Basin remains unusually quiet this hurricane season, with only five named storms reported so far. This calm is attributed to a strong El Niño, which has increased wind shear and strengthened the subtropical high, both of which suppress tropical storm development. In contrast, the Pacific Ocean is experiencing heightened activity. Currently, there are two named storms and one tropical wave under observation. Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h), is moving north toward Hawaii and is expected to impact the islands in the coming days. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Marie, with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h), is moving north-northwest but is not expected to make landfall. A tropical wave in the Pacific is also being monitored for potential development into a depression later this week.