{
  "id": 9630887,
  "title": "A strong El Niño actually means fewer Atlantic hurricanes, but the Pacific has been extra stormy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/a-strong-el-nino-actually-means-fewer-atlantic-hurricanes-but-the",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-24T20:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91612623/super-el-nino-impact-on-hurricanes-quiet-atlantic-stormy-pacific"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an unusual turn of events, the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably calm, with only six named storms forming but no hurricanes developing. By contrast, the Pacific Ocean has witnessed an intense storm season, with 16 named storms and six hurricanes already occurring. This stark difference can be attributed to the \"Godzilla\" Super El Niño, one of the strongest on record, which is impacting weather patterns globally.\n\nEl Niño, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific, modifies weather patterns worldwide. Typically, it leads to drier conditions in the northeastern U.S. and wetter conditions in the south. However, it also enhances wind shear in the Atlantic, reducing the likelihood of hurricane formation and intensification.\n\nConversely, the warmer waters and lower wind shear in the Pacific during El Niño promote more hurricane formation and growth. The recent Hurricane Polo, a Category 4 storm off Mexico's southwest coast, is one of the strongest ever recorded in the Pacific basin. Meanwhile, a developing Tropical Storm Nolo could potentially become a major hurricane, posing a significant threat to Hawaii, particularly its Big Island, with the possibility of over 30 inches of rain.\n\nExperts warn that the highly volatile \"Godzilla Super El Niño,\" exacerbated by climate change, could usher in unprecedented extreme weather events worldwide. This includes a higher risk of flash flooding in the south-central U.S. and above-average fire risks in the West. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, this Super El Niño event may serve as a stark preview of the challenges ahead.",
  "summary": "The Atlantic Ocean has had an unusually quiet hurricane season this year. Though there have been six named storms , zero have actually strengthened into hurricanes—a rarity that hasn’t occurred in decades. On the other side of the country, though, Hurricane Polo has rapidly intensified, becoming one of the most intense East Pacific hurricanes on record. These weather anomalies may seem at odds,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}