SEANGWORLD FACT BRIEF · SEANGWORLDNEWS · 1 SOURCE
Three tropical cyclones, including a category 5 hurricane, active simultaneously in the Pacific while Atlantic activity remains low
In early September 2026, the northeastern Pacific Ocean experienced above-normal tropical cyclone activity consistent with spring forecasts linked to El Niño conditions. NASA Earth's DSCOVR satellite imaged three simultaneous tropical cyclones—Lowell (which reached category 5 strength on September 2), Karina (category 4 hurricane), and Marie (tropical storm). In contrast, the Atlantic basin was quiet with only five named storms and no hurricanes, due in part to unfavorable wind shear conditions. Tropical Storm Edouard had recently made landfall over Louisiana and Texas, causing significant rainfall. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index was about 50 percent above normal in the northeastern Pacific and about 9 percent of normal in the Atlantic as of September 3, 2026. These patterns align with the effects of El Niño on hurricane activity in these regions. (source: nasa-news-releases)
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Facts
- Established fact
As of September 3, 2026, the Northeast Pacific had produced 15 named storms and six hurricanes, above the norm for that point in the season.
- Established fact
In the Atlantic basin, there were five named storms and no hurricanes as of September 3, 2026.
- Established fact
El Niño typically increases hurricane activity in the eastern and central Pacific and decreases it in the Atlantic by altering ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation patterns.
- Established fact
On September 1, 2026, NASA's DSCOVR satellite captured an image of three tropical cyclones in the Pacific: Lowell, Karina, and Marie.
- Established fact
Lowell reached category 5 hurricane strength on September 2, 2026, for several hours.
- Established fact
Karina reached category 4 hurricane strength around the same time as Lowell's peak intensity.
- Established fact
Marie was a tropical storm southwest of Baja California and was strengthening as it moved northwest on September 1, 2026.
- Established factNational Weather Service meteorologists
Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall over Louisiana and Texas causing heavy rainfall and strong winds, with some areas receiving 15 to 24 inches of rain.
- Established factColorado State University meteorologists
The Atlantic basin's Accumulated Cyclone Energy index was 4.4, about 9 percent of the normal value for early September 2026.
- Established factColorado State University meteorologists
The Northeast Pacific basin's Accumulated Cyclone Energy index was 130, about 50 percent above normal as of September 3, 2026.
What changed
El Niño conditions contributed to higher-than-normal cyclone activity in the northeastern and central Pacific basins and suppressed activity in the Atlantic basin in 2026 as predicted.
Who is affected
Northeastern and central Pacific basins experienced increased tropical cyclone activity; the Atlantic basin experienced suppressed tropical cyclone activity.
What happens next
NASA continues to provide earth observation and monitoring tools to track hurricane activity and support emergency preparedness and response.
Sources
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