2026 Pacific hurricane season
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The 2026 Pacific hurricane season is the current Pacific hurricane season for the Northern Hemisphere. The season officially began on May 15, 2026, and will end on November 30, 2026. For the Central Pacific (140°W to 180°), the season began on June 1, 2026, and will end on November 30, 2026, with the most active period typically occurring between July and October. Those dates, adopted by convention, describe the period in which most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Pacific Ocean. The first system of the season, Tropical Storm Amanda, formed in the open eastern Pacific on June 2. Then on June 7, Tropical Storm Boris formed off the southwestern coast of Mexico before being followed by Tropical Storm Cristina off the coast of Central America a day later. Boris made some impacts on southern Mexico while Cristina generated heavy rain in Central America, causing flooding. In July, Hurricane Fausto became the first hurricane, while Hurricane Genevieve became the first major hurricane, and first Category 5 hurricane, of the season. In August, Hurricane Lala became the first hurricane to directly hit the Big Island of Hawaii since 1871 while also becoming Hawaii's third-wettest tropical cyclone on record. In September, Lowell became the second Category 5 hurricane of the season.
(1-minute sustained)
| 2026 Pacific hurricane season | |
|---|---|
Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | June 2, 2026 |
| Last system dissipated | Season ongoing |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Lowell |
| • Maximum winds | 160 mph (260 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 15 |
| Total storms | 15 |
| Hurricanes | 6 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 4 |
| ACE | 147.9 |
| Total fatalities | 15 total |
| Total damage | > $200 million (2026 USD) |
| Related articles | |
Seasonal forecasts
| Record | Named storms |
Hurricanes | Major hurricanes |
ACE | Ref | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (1991–2020) | 15.4 | 8.3 | 4.2 | 100.5 | [1] | |
| Record high activity | 27 | 16† | 11 | 318.1 | [2] | |
| Record low activity | 8† | 3 | 0† | 22.3 | [2] | |
| Date | Source | Named storms |
Hurricanes | Major hurricanes |
ACE | Ref |
| April 22, 2026 | SMN | 18–21 | 9–11 | 4–5 | N/A | [3] |
| May 21, 2026 | NOAA | 15–22 | 9–14 | 5–9 | N/A | [4][5] |
| Area | Named storms |
Hurricanes | Major hurricanes |
ACE | Ref | |
| Actual activity: | EPAC | 13 | 5 | 3 | 93.2 | |
| Actual activity: | CPAC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 54.7 | |
| Actual combined activity: | 15 | 6 | 4 | 147.9 | ||
| * May 15–November 30 only
† Most recent of several such occurrences. (See all) | ||||||
In advance of each Pacific hurricane season, forecasts of hurricane activity are issued by forecasters from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Climate Prediction Center, and Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN). The forecasts include weekly and monthly changes in significant factors that help determine the amount of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a particular season.
According to NOAA, the average Pacific hurricane season between 1991 and 2020 contained about 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 and higher), as well as a median accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 75.38–110.55 units.[1] Broadly speaking, ACE is the measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical cyclone multiplied by the length of time it existed. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical or subtropical cyclones reaching wind speeds of 39 mph (63 km/h) or higher. NOAA typically describes a season as above-average, average, or below-average depending on the cumulative ACE index, but the number of tropical storms, hurricanes or major hurricanes can also be considered.
On April 22, 2026, Mexico's National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued its first forecast for the Pacific hurricane season, predicting 18–21 named storms, 9–11 hurricanes and 4–5 major hurricanes.[3] On May 21, 2026, NOAA issued its forecast, indicating an above-normal season with 15–22 named storms, 9–14 hurricanes, and 5–9 major hurricanes.[4] Their reasoning for these elevated numbers centered around an El Niño event that is likely to develop by the peak of the season (July to September).[5]
Seasonal summary
Officially, the 2026 Pacific hurricane season began on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific, on June 1 in the Central Pacific, and both will end on November 30.[6] The Pacific hurricane season was defined by an exceptionally strong start, with three named systems developing by early June—the most active opening to a season in the basin since 1985.[7] On June 2, Tropical Storm Amanda formed in the open Pacific, becoming the first tropical cyclone of the season.[8] Five days later, Tropical Storm Boris formed off the southwestern coast of Mexico, followed by Tropical Storm Cristina the next day off the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.[9] Boris caused damage in southern Mexico while Cristina brought torrential rain throughout Central America. In early July, Tropical Storm Douglas formed in the open Pacific, without affecting any land.[10] Tropical Storm Fausto formed on July 19 and subsequently became the first hurricane of the season; Fausto crossed into the central Pacific a week later. On July 24, Hurricane Genevieve formed near the coast of Mexico and, a few days later, became the first major hurricane of the season. Genevieve ultimately became the first Category 5 hurricane in the basin since Kristy in 2024.[11]
August saw an unusual number of tropical cyclones, with seven forming during the month, the highest number since 2009.[citation needed] Hurricane Lala, a low-end Category 4 hurricane, became the first hurricane to directly hit the Big Island of Hawaii since 1871 while also becoming Hawaii's third-wettest tropical cyclone on record, behind Hurricane Hiki in 1950 and Hurricane Lane in 2018. Hurricanes Karina and Lowell formed on August 27, and both intensified into Category 4 hurricanes. Tropical Storm Marie formed on September 1. Hurricane Lowell intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on September 2, making it the second hurricane of that intensity of the season and making 2026 the first season since 2023 to have two Category 5 hurricanes.
This season's ACE index is approximately 147.9 units, as officially calculated by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on September 5.[12][13] This number represents sum of the squares of the maximum sustained wind speed (knots) for all named storms while they are at least tropical storm intensity, divided by 10,000.
Systems
Tropical Storm Amanda
On May 31, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted that an area of low pressure could form well to the southwest of the Baja California Peninsula.[14] The system quickly organized over time, and by June 2, the system was designated as Tropical Depression One-E after its cloud pattern had improved and scatterometer data identified a closed low-level circulation.[15][16] The next day, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Amanda, following deepening convection near its center.[17] Through June 3 to June 4, Amanda strengthened and organized slightly, though suffering from some wind shear.[18][19] On June 5, Amanda began weakening and its center became completely exposed.[20] On June 6, Amanda weakened into a tropical depression in the face of shear and dry air, though warm waters allowed Amanda to continue producing some convection.[21] Amanda continued to wane through June 7 as environmental shear and dry air increased.[22] By June 8, Amanda lacked enough convection to be considered a tropical cyclone, transitioning into a remnant low.[15][23]
Tropical Storm Boris
On June 3, the NHC noted the possibility of an area of low pressure forming off the southwestern coast of Mexico.[24] On June 7, an Oceansat-3 pass had indicated that the disturbance had consolidated a closed low-level circulation, the low was classified as Tropical Depression Two-E at 15:00 UTC.[25] Early the next day, the system acquired tropical storm-force wind and received the name Boris.[26] Most of the convection at this point was organized linearly with some banding around the center of the storm.[26] On June 9, Boris made landfall on the far southwestern coast of Oaxaca.[27] The rugged terrain proved unfavorable for this system, therefore transitioning it into a post-tropical cyclone, and then quickly dissipating afterward.[28]
One person died in Manzanillo, Colima, in rough seas.[29] In Tecomán, two additional were swept away by rough surf in Tecomán and later found dead.[29][30] Commercial losses in Acapulco were estimated at Mex$1.5 billion (US$87.1 million).[31] In Oaxaca, a man drowned after his truck was swept away by an overflowing river. An outdoor theater worth Mex$54 million (US$3.16 million) was destroyed by swells.[32] As of July 2026[update], Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. estimated that losses totaled to US$100 million.[33]
Tropical Storm Cristina
On June 3, the NHC noted the possibility of an area of low pressure forming off the western coast of Central America.[24] On June 8, after developing persistent deep convection, the low was classed as a tropical depression and was it designated Tropical Depression Three-E.[34] Soon, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, becoming named Cristina, with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a pressure of 1002 mbar (hPa) based on scatterometer data.[35] At the time while moving at an erratic movement, Cristina exhibited an exposed low-level circulation, a characteristic typical of tropical cyclones under the effects of high wind shear because of the interaction of a nearby and slightly stronger Tropical Storm Boris.[36] Cristina weakened into a tropical depression as a result. The trend continued, and on June 11, Cristina opened up into a trough as the circulation was no longer well defined.[37] The trough merged with a low pressure system which later produced heavy rainfall along the western Gulf of Mexico coast.[38]
Prior to becoming a tropical depression, Cristina produced heavy rains that caused flooding in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, killing a 60-year-old man and disrupting traffic.[39] In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, five people were left missing after heavy winds attributed to Cristina capsized two boats.[40] Across El Salvador, 58 damaged or flooded homes, 11 affected vehicles, 38 fallen trees, 34 blocked roads and 5 landslides were reported.[41] In Acajutla, residents and business owners estimated that losses totaled to US$150,000.[42] Heavy rainfall related to Cristina, combined with the effects of the local rainy season, resulted in five deaths and three injuries in Guatemala; two deaths occurred each in Momostenango and Casillas and a child died in Senahú.[43] In Chiapas, heavy rainfall from Cristina caused flooding. A man was found dead after being swept away by an overflowing river.[44]
Tropical Storm Douglas
On June 21, the NHC began monitoring a disturbance off the southwestern coast of Mexico and noted the possibility of tropical development.[45] The disturbance increased in chances for development as it showed signs of further organization as it moved into open waters.[46] The disturbance eventually had a 90% chance of development according to the NHC.[47] By July 1, the low pressure system obtained enough organization to be classified as Tropical Depression Four-E and had winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a pressure of 1005 mbar (29.67 inHg).[10] Later, it strengthened into a tropical storm and received the name Douglas.[48][49] The system meandered slowly over the open waters, eventually reaching peak winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 1003 mbar (29.61 inHg) over the open waters,[50] which it maintained until July 3. The system weakened into a remnant low with only a little amount of convection and cloud tops near the circulation mainly due to cooler sea surface temperatures.[51][52] The remnants of the system continued moving generally to the northwest towards cooler waters in the open Eastern Pacific Ocean,[52] before dissipating on July 5.
Tropical Storm Elida
On July 7, at 06:00 UTC, the NHC began monitoring a disturbance off the coast of southern Mexico with a low chance for development.[53] Over the next few days, the disturbance became better organized under favorable conditions for tropical cyclogenesis. On July 14 at 18:00 UTC, the system consolidated into Tropical Depression Five-E,[54] and twelve hours later, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Elida.[55] Though some dry air and mid-level wind wind shear hindered the storm, it continued to strengthen.[56] It attained its peak intensity on July 18 with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a pressure of 990 mbar (29 inHg).[57] The storm then weakened as it moved over colder waters as well as experiencing more dry air and wind shear. The system stopped producing significant convection on July 20 and became post-tropical.[58]
Elida impacted Clarion Island with strong winds and rough seas throughout July 16.[59] Swells related to the remnants of Elida as well as the further distant Hurricanes Fausto and Genevieve on July 25 impacted produced significant swells on the California coast. A total of 464 water rescues took place in San Diego while another 160 rescues took place in Oceanside.[60] The Los Angeles County Fire Department performed a record 1,950 rescues on July 25.[61] Further north, more than 25 rescues occurred at beaches in the Santa Cruz area that same day.[62] A lifeguard who was caught on video performing one of these rescues in Santa Cruz was invited to the White House to receive a high civilian honor.[63]
Hurricane Fausto
The NHC began monitoring an area for development on July 12,[64] with a tropical wave being located offshore of southern Mexico by July 16.[65] The tropical wave developed into a broad low on July 18.[66] The low gained sufficient organization and developed into Tropical Depression Six-E at 03:00 UTC on July 19.[67] The depression continued to organize and strengthened to Tropical Storm Fausto at 21:00 UTC later that day.[68] Fausto strengthened slowly over the next two days, with persistent northerly shear counteracting an otherwise conducive environment.[69] Despite this, Fausto continued to organize, and strengthened into a hurricane at 03:00 UTC on July 22, becoming the first hurricane of the season.[70] Thereafter, Fausto struggled to strengthen for a couple days due to resurgent wind shear and dry air intrusions.[71][72] Despite a marginal environment, the storm reorganized and strengthened again on July 24, becoming a Category 2 hurricane.[73] Fausto continued moving west, and weakened back to a Category 1 hurricane due to drier air and cooler sea surface temperatures on July 26.[74] On July 28, Fausto weakened to a tropical storm under further unfavorable conditions,[75] ultimately degenerating into a remnant low the following day, devoid of sufficient convection.[76]
Fausto impacted the Revillagigedo Islands with strong winds and rough seas throughout July 20.[77] Significant swells from Fausto also affected the California coast in conjunction with the remnants of Elida and the developing Genevieve.[60]
Hurricane Genevieve
On July 17, the NHC began noting the potential for a low-pressure area to develop over the Gulf of Tehuantepec over the next few days and for the potential of tropical cyclogenesis to occur amidst favorable environmental conditions.[78] A tropical wave entered the Eastern Pacific from Central America and by July 21 it began producing a large area of convection.[79] A low-pressure system formed the following day several hundred miles to the south of Mexico.[80] The system became better organized and by 15:00 UTC on July 24, it was designated as a tropical depression, the seventh of the season,[81] intensifying into Tropical Storm Genevieve six hours later. Within an area of modest west-northwesterly wind shear,[82] the nascent storm only intensified gradually, being upgraded to a hurricane early on July 25 as it was steered to the west-northwest by powerful mid-level tropospheric ridging over the Southern United States and western Caribbean Sea, allowing the storm to enter a region of high ocean heat content and light wind shear.[83] Within this environment, Genevieve rapidly intensified and at 15:00 UTC on July 26, Genevieve was upgraded to a major hurricane,[84] the first major hurricane of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season.[85] Genevieve continued to rapidly intensify within extremely warm sea surface temperatures of around 86 °F (30 °C).[86] Genevieve was quickly upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane after only a few hours of intensification, clearing out a warm and symmetric eye.[87] Imagery from the GMI Microwave Imager depicted intense lightning activity within the northern and eastern eyewall of Genevieve and a deep band of convection developing around the storm's inner core.[88] Based on several satellite intensity estimates ranging from 158 mph; 254 km/h to 163 mph; 263 km/h, Genevieve was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane at 09:00 UTC on July 27.[89] Genevieve's maximum sustained winds peaked at 160 mph (260 km/h) and its minimum central pressure fell to 925 mbar (hPa; 27.32 inHg).[90]
Genevieve's rapid intensification ended by the afternoon of July 27 as it entered the early stages of an eyewall replacement cycle.[91] Over the next several hours Genevieve's eye became colder and more cloud—filled[92] and an outer eyewall began to form.[93] By late the following day, Genevieve had fallen to a Category 3 hurricane and its structure had degraded due to dry air intrusions and a minor amount of northerly wind shear, and weakened was expected to continue as it moved into cooler sea surface temperatures.[94] However, the hurricane unexpectedly reintensified while its satellite presentation improved, being reupgraded to a Category 4 hurricane at 00:00 UTC on July 29.[95] After this brief resurgence, Genevieve resumed weakening and the eye became more clouded.[96] Increased northwesterly wind shear and dry air caused Genevieve to weaken to a Category 3 hurricane by 15:00 UTC that day despite microwave satellite imagery indicating the completion of the eyewall replacement cycle.[97] Genevieve's eye completely collapsed by early the next day and its low-level center became entirely obscured underneath a central dense overcast.[98] Genevieve fell to a minimal hurricane that day as the storm's deepest convection became displaced to the south and east of its center.[99] At 03:00 UTC on July 31, Genevieve was downgraded to a tropical storm.[100] Genevieve continued to weaken and degenerated to a post-tropical cyclone at 15:00 UTC on August 2.[101]
Genevieve generated swells that caused rough surf and rip current conditions along the western coast of Baja California peninsula and parts of Southwestern Mexico.[102][103] Genevieve produced blustery conditions on Clarion Island, with a peak sustained wind of 63 mph (101 km/h) and a peak wind gust of 86 mph (138 km/h) being observed.[104] Genevieve also generated swells that caused coastal flooding in Southern California, leading to the cancellation of two Pacific Surfliner trains, as well as delays on Metrolink.[105] City officials in Long Beach constructed sand berms on local beaches to prevent flooding from increased tides.[106] A High Surf advisory was issued for Southern California beaches from between July 29 and August 1 due to the threat of dangerous surf conditions.[107] Several water rescues occurred from rough ocean conditions.[105]
Tropical Storm Hernan
The NHC began monitoring a tropical wave south of Baja California on August 8.[108] The system slowly organized over the next few days, developing a well-defined low on August 11.[109] On August 13, the disturbance was designated Tropical Depression Eight-E at 03:00 UTC after developing persistent deep convection and a closed circulation.[110] Tropical Depression Eight-E later strengthened to a tropical storm soon after at 09:00 UTC, gaining the name Hernan,[111] and soon attaining a peak pressure of 1,003 mbar (29.6 inHg) and peak winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) at 21:00 UTC.[112] Strong shear then exposed the storm's center,[113] weakening it to a tropical depression a day later.[114] On August 15, Hernan weakened and became a remnant low.[115]
Hurricane Lala
On August 12, the NHC designated Potential Tropical Cyclone One due to a tropical disturbance east-southeast of Hawaii.[116] A day later, the NHC redesignated the system as Tropical Storm Lala, after increased convection and consolidation of the circulation.[117] The storm strengthened while moving towards Hawaii, but was deterred slightly by dry air intrusions..[118] At 19:00 UTC on August 15, Lala attained hurricane status.[119] At 03:00 UTC on August 16, Lala passed just south of the Big Island with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h).[120] Land interaction quickly weakened Lala back to a tropical storm, but it regained hurricane status on August 18 after passing the island chain.[121][122] Lala rapidly intensified, attaining peak winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) on August 19, with a minimum pressure of 947 mbar (28.0 inHg).[123] A trough to its north turned Lala to the north, bringing it through the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument on August 21. By that time, it had weakened due to dry air and cooler waters.[124] Lala fell to tropical storm status on August 23. It turned back to the northwest due to a building ridge.[125] Stronger wind shear caused the storm to weaken on August 27.[126] On August 28, Lala transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone.[127] The system crossed the international date line later that day, with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) marking it as a subtropical system, while the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified it as an extratropical low.[128][129]
A 93-year-old woman was found deceased in her home in Nāʻālehu following the storm.[130] In addition, one man was killed and two others were injured, including one critically, as a result of a head-on car accident in Hawaiian Ocean View due to inclement weather caused by Lala's passage.[131][132] A few days after Lala's passage, an unidentified man, believed to be in his 60s, was found deceased near Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Nāʻālehu in a pasture, with his death being attributed to Lala.[133] Elsewhere, another woman was hospitalized with moderate injuries after she was swept 100 yards away by floodwaters after her home was knocked off its foundation in Waiʻōhinu.[134]
Tropical Storm Moke
A tropical depression formed about 960 miles (1,540 km) east-southeast of Hilo over the Central Pacific on August 20,[135] with the initial intensity being set at 35 mph (55 km/h) based on an earlier ASCAT pass.[136] The next day, based on data obtained by recon, the storm was upgraded to a tropical storm, and received the name Moke.[137] The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) noted that although the storm was expected to cause some wind, rain and surf impacts in the Hawaiian Islands, no tropical storm watches or warnings were expected due to the storm's compact nature.[137] Moke threatened Hawaii just a few days after the passage of Lala, threatening to bring additional rainfall and flooding to the Big Island. Members of the Hawaii Army National Guard and Hawaii Air National Guard were deployed to the southern region of the Big Island to begin storm preparations for Moke in conjunction with ongoing recovery efforts from Lala.[138] Moke encountered unfavorable conditions and on August 25 at 09:00 UTC, it degenerated into a remnant low.[139]
Tropical Storm Iselle
An area of disturbed weather formed south of Mexico on August 21. The system became more organized overnight on August 22 and strengthened into Tropical Storm Iselle the following morning.[140] Despite moderate wind shear, Iselle strengthened further in favorable conditions of warm waters and a moist environment, topping out at 70 mph (110 km/h) and a pressure of 988 mbar (29.2 inHg).[141] However, Iselle began to weaken later on August 25, as a result of cooler sea surface temperatures, persistent wind shear, and dry air.[142] On August 26 at 03:00 UTC, continued unfavorable conditions caused Iselle to degenerate into a post-tropical cyclone.[143]
Iselle generated swells that affected the Revillagigedo Islands and the western coast of Baja California peninsula.[144][145]
Tropical Storm Julio
On August 24, an area of low pressure south of Mexico, few hundred miles south-southwest of Iselle, developed tropical characteristics. As a result, the disturbance was designated Tropical Depression Ten-E.[146] On the next day the depression was upgraded to a tropical storm, receiving the name Julio on August 25 at 09:00 UTC.[147] Julio strengthened a little, and soon reached peak winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a peak central pressure of 1001 mbar (hPa).[148] Julio had a brief Fujiwhara interaction with nearby Iselle, before being absorbed by it later that evening and dissipating.[149]
Hurricane Karina
Late on August 21, the NHC began noting the potential for an area of disturbed weather to form well southwest of Mexico over the next several days and undergo tropical cyclogenesis.[150] Five days later, an area of low pressure formed in association with a tropical wave well offshore Southwestern Mexico and began to consolidate.[151] At 21:00 UTC on August 27, the system having already attained gale-force winds was upgraded into Tropical Storm Karina.[152] At 09:00 UTC on August 30, Karina was upgraded to a hurricane with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a pressure of 980 mbar (29 inHg).[153] Moving over warm waters near 84 °F (29 °C), Karina rapidly intensified, becoming a major hurricane at 00:00 UTC on August 31,[154] then reaching Category 4 strength later that same day, with sustained winds of 145 mph (235 km/h) and a pressure of 942 mbars (27.82 inHg).[155] After briefly weakening, Karina became an annular hurricane the following day, allowing the storm to maintain higher intensity over cooler waters, and slowing its weakening rate.[156] By September 2, it began to restrengthen, eventually reaching its peak intensity with sustained winds of 145 mph (235 km/h) and a slightly lower central pressure of 940 millibars (27.76 inHg).[157] Drier air and marginal SSTs eventually worked to weaken the cyclone, and Karina dropped below major hurricane strength on September 3 as it neared the Central Pacific basin.[158]
Karina impacted the uninhabited Revillagigedo Islands with rough seas and strong winds.[159][160]
Hurricane Lowell
At 00:00 UTC on August 27, after gaining some organization and a medium chance for development, an area of low pressure was noted by the NHC.[161] At 21:00 UTC on August 27, scatterometer data revealed that the disturbance had developed gale-force winds and was upgraded into Tropical Storm Lowell.[162] Lowell slowly strengthened over the next few days and organized despite easterly wind shear.[163] On September 1 at 15:00 UTC, Lowell attained hurricane strength,[164] and rapidly intensified into a major hurricane by 00:00 UTC on September 2.[165][166] The storm continued rapidly intensifying late that day, becoming the second Category 5 hurricane of the season by 21:00 UTC.[167] Lowell became the first Category 5 hurricane in the Central Pacific since Hurricane Walaka in 2018.[168] Lowell weakened below Category 5 status the next day due to an increase in easterly shear.[169] By September 4, at 09:00 UTC, Lowell further weakened to a Category 3 hurricane due to an ongoing eyewall replacement cycle.[170] Later that day at 18:30 UTC, Lowell began to go under another phase of rapid intensification, thus re-intensifying to a high-end category 4 hurricane with winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a pressure of 930 millibars (27.34 inHg) .[171]
Hurricane Marie
On September 1, the NHC designated a low-pressure system as Tropical Storm Marie.[172] Marie steadily intensified over the Eastern Pacific over the next day, becoming a high-end tropical storm late on September 2.[173] On September 3 at 03:00 UTC, Marie improved its structure and intensified to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h).[174] Over the next 24 hours, Marie slowly and steadily intensified, struggling due to dry air, and it became a Category 2 hurricane on September 4th, at 03:00 UTC.[175]
Marie impacted the Revillagigedo Islands with rough seas and tropical-storm and hurricane-force winds.[176][177] Marie also generated swells that caused rough surf and rip current conditions along parts of Southwestern Mexico and Baja California peninsula. Small vessels were prohibited from leaving ports in San Jose del Cabo. Classes were also cancelled in Los Cabos.[178] Several streets were flooded in Los Cabos.[179]
Storm names
The following list of names is being used for named storms that form in the North Pacific Ocean east of 140°W during 2026.[180] This is the same list used in the 2020 season.
|
|
For storms that form in the North Pacific from 140°W to the International Date Line, the names come from a series of four rotating lists. Names are used one after the other without regard to year, and when the bottom of one list is reached, the next named storm receives the name at the top of the next list.[180] Two named storms, listed below, have formed within the area in 2026. Named storms in the table above that cross into the area during the season are noted (*).
|
Season effects
The following is a table which will include all of the storms that form in the 2026 Pacific hurricane season. It will include their duration, names, intensities, areas affected, damages, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2026 USD.
| Saffir–Simpson scale | ||||||
| TD | TS | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 |
| Storm name |
Dates active | Storm category at peak intensity |
Max 1-min wind mph (km/h) |
Min. press. (mbar) |
Areas affected | Damage (US$) |
Deaths | Ref(s). | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda | June 2–7 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1003 | None | None | None | |||
| Boris | June 7–9 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1000 | Southern Mexico | $100 million | 4 | |||
| Cristina | June 8–10 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1002 | Central America, Southern Mexico | >$150,000 | 7 | |||
| Douglas | July 1–3 | Tropical storm | 40 (65) | 1003 | None | None | None | |||
| Elida | July 14–20 | Tropical storm | 70 (110) | 990 | Clarion Island, Coastal California | None | None | |||
| Fausto | July 19–29 | Category 2 hurricane | 105 (165) | 967 | Revillagigedo Islands, Hawaiian Islands, Coastal California | None | None | |||
| Genevieve | July 24 – August 2 | Category 5 hurricane | 160 (260) | 925 | Revillagigedo Islands, Baja California peninsula, Southwestern Mexico, Coastal California | None | None | |||
| Hernan | August 13–15 | Tropical storm | 45 (75) | 1003 | None | None | None | |||
| Lala | August 13–28 | Category 4 hurricane | 130 (215) | 947 | Hawaiian Islands | $100 million | 3 (1) | |||
| Moke | August 20–25 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 994 | Hawaiian Islands | None | None | |||
| Iselle | August 23–27 | Tropical storm | 70 (110) | 988 | Revillagigedo Islands, Baja California peninsula | None | None | |||
| Julio | August 24–25 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1001 | None | None | None | |||
| Karina | August 27–present | Category 4 hurricane | 145 (230) | 940 | Revillagigedo Islands | None | None | |||
| Lowell | August 27–present | Category 5 hurricane | 160 (260) | 922 | Hawaiian Islands | None | None | |||
| Marie | September 1–present | Category 2 hurricane | 100 (155) | 967 | Revillagigedo Islands, Baja California peninsula, Southwestern Mexico | None | None | |||
| Season aggregates | ||||||||||
| 15 systems | June 2 – Season ongoing | 160 (260) | 922 | >$200 million | 14 (1) | |||||
See also
- Weather of 2026
- Tropical cyclones in 2026
- 2026 Atlantic hurricane season
- 2026 Pacific typhoon season
- 2026 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
- South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 2025–26, 2026–27
- Australian region cyclone seasons: 2025–26, 2026–27
- South Pacific cyclone seasons: 2025–26, 2026–27
