Pacific hurricane region sets record for long-lasting storms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 23:32 · Archive

The central and eastern Pacific has broken a record for accumulated cyclone energy, driven by El Niño conditions.

The Pacific hurricane region east of the international date line has broken its record for accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), the measurement meteorologists use to assess hurricane seasons by combining wind speed and storm longevity. This occurred on Sunday, surpassing the previous record set in 2018.

El Niño is the primary driver of this exceptional activity. The phenomenon weakens and shifts high-altitude vertical winds that normally dampen or weaken storms. Combined with warm water conditions, this has created ideal circumstances for hurricane formation and intensification.

Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach observed that since Hurricane Odalys formed on 20 September, activity has been extreme. 'This year just everything that forms is just lasting a long time and getting really powerful,' he said. Hurricane Simon is currently active in the region, which spawns storms headed for Hawaii, Mexico and the U.S. West Coast.

Klotzbach predicted that on Tuesday the Pacific will tie a record for most consecutive days with a hurricane spinning and is likely to break it shortly after. Another major hurricane is expected to develop and intensify in the coming period.

How it is being reported

• Pacific hurricane region sets record for big, long-lasting storms thanks to El NiñoEl Niño and other factors have combined to turbocharge the central and eastern Pacific hurricane region to record activity.Clickorlando · 12 Oct, 21:50
• Pacific hurricane region sets record for big, long-lasting storms thanks to El NiñoEl Niño and other factors have combined to turbocharge the central and eastern Pacific hurricane region to record activity.News4Jax · 12 Oct, 21:50

In this story: El Niño · Pacific · Phil Klotzbach · Colorado State University · Hawaii · Mexico · U.S. West Coast

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem