By Zoila Palma: The eastern and central Pacific has broken a record for accumulated cyclone energy, as powerful hurricanes continue to develop and last longer than usual.
Scientists say a strong El Niño, warmer ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions are contributing to the unusually active hurricane season.
Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach said the activity has intensified since Hurricane Odalys formed on September 20.
The region surpassed its previous accumulated cyclone energy record, set in 2018, on Sunday, while Hurricane Simon continued affecting the area off Mexico’s western coast. Klotzbach said the Pacific was also approaching a record for the number of days with a hurricane spinning.
Scientists attribute much of the activity to El Niño, which weakens wind shear in the Pacific, allowing storms to strengthen and survive longer. Ocean temperatures are also several degrees Fahrenheit above normal in parts of the Pacific, providing additional energy for storm development. Atmospheric scientist Kim Wood said both the eastern and central Pacific have been unusually active simultaneously this year.
The last five Pacific hurricanes—Nolo, Odalys, Polo, Rachel and Simon—have all reached major hurricane status, with winds of at least 111 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet, with accumulated cyclone energy below 18 percent of normal for this time of year.
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