El Niño drives increased tropical cyclone activity across the Pacific

El Niño is driving increased tropical cyclone activity across the Pacific Ocean. In the central and eastern Pacific, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring four areas that could produce storms by early September. The region has already seen 10 named storms this year, reaching its seasonal norm earlier than usual due to record-warm ocean temperatures.

In the Philippines, PAGASA forecasts that between five and seven more tropical cyclones could form or enter the area of responsibility before the end of 2026. While El Niño may cause some systems to recurve, it could also lead to more intense storms as they travel over warm waters. Additionally, El Niño is expected to influence rainfall patterns, potentially leading to below-normal precipitation across much of the Philippines through November.