Hurricane Lowell (2026)

On August 24, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) first noted a low potential for eventual tropical cyclogenesis, related to a trough located east-southeast of Hawaii. The weather system produced thunderstorms as it drifted northeastward across the eastern Pacific Ocean.^[1] By August 25, the NHC assessed a high likelihood – 70% – for a tropical cyclone to form.^[2] That day, a weak and small low pressure area developed within the system.^[3] On August 26, the low became more organized due to favorable environmental conditions.^[4] Late on August 27, the NHC classified the system as Tropical Storm Lowell about 1,530 miles (2,460 km) east-southeast of Hawaii. The storm had a closed circulation, producing winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) alongside well-organized bands of convection.^[5]

Upon its formation, Lowell was moving to the east-northeast over an area of warm ocean temperatures.^[5] The storm gradually strengthened amid some northeasterly wind shear.^[6] Lowell's circulation became exposed from the thunderstorms, and the storm became disorganized. Late on August 28, Lowell turned to the west, steered by a ridge to its north. Around that time, the NHC noted uncertainty in the storm's future, due to potential interaction with Tropical Storm Karina to its east.^[7] On August 29, thunderstorms reformed over the circulation, although it continued to be affected by wind shear through the next day.^[8] On August 31, the convection became better organized after the wind shear decreased. By that time, the NHC anticipated that Lowell would undergo rapid intensification.^[9] On September 1, Lowell attained hurricane status about 575 miles (925 km) to the southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.^[10]

Late on September 1, Lowell intensified into a major hurricane, or a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The hurricane had an eye surrounded by a ring of deep convection.^[11] Late on September 2, Lowell strengthened further into a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 927 mbar (27.4 inHg). Around that time, it was located about 445 mi (715 km) south of Hilo.^[12] Lowell became the first Category 5 hurricane in the Central Pacific since Hurricane Walaka in 2018.^[13] After reaching peak intensity, Lowell weakened due to a combination of increased wind shear, dry air, and an eyewall replacement cycle.^[14] On September 4, it briefly fell to Category 3 intensity due to another replacement cycle.^[15] Later that day, the Hurricane Hunters observed that Lowell re-intensified into a high-end Category 4 hurricane as the eyewall replacement cycle was complete.^[16] Hurricane Hunters then observed that Lowell regained Category 5 intensity a few hours later, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 922 mbar (27.2 inHg).^[17]

On September 3, Hawaii governor Josh Green issued a state of emergency due to the threat from Lowell and potentially Karina.^[18] The state activated 129 Hawaii National Guard members while also sending six high-water vehicles to Kauai.^[19]

• Weather of 2026
• Tropical cyclones in 2026
• List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes