Rare trio of Pacific hurricanes attributed to El Niño

Three hurricanes - Karina, Lowell, and Marie - are currently traversing the Pacific Ocean, according to scientists. These storms are being fueled by the exceptionally strong El Niño phenomenon, which has warmed the waters of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño enhances the likelihood of intense storms by providing ample warm water for storms to feed upon.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported that Lowell, located approximately 440 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii, is expected to maintain its status as a major hurricane for several days. The swells generated by Lowell are anticipated to generate hazardous surf and rip current conditions along certain stretches of the Hawaiian Islands during the forthcoming days.

Hurricane Karina, situated around 710 miles south of Hilo, is also forecasted to persist as a significant hurricane for the next several days. Tropical Storm Marie, positioned approximately 375 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja, California, is projected to intensify through the next day. Climate scientists have highlighted that the combination of warm sea surface temperatures and an atmospheric atmosphere with minimal vertical wind shear creates optimal conditions for hurricanes to strengthen.

El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern characterized by the warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean, occurs every two to seven years. This year's El Niño is projected to be the most potent on record, with a 69% probability of reaching such status. Such a powerful El Niño can unleash extreme weather patterns across the globe, even though it is anticipated to reach its peak between October and December.

The far-reaching consequences of El Niño are attributed to climate change, which amplifies the impacts of the phenomenon.