<img alt="This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows three storms in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Tropical Storm Nolo, left, is south of Hawaii. Hurricane Polo, right, is off the coast of Mexico. Hurricane Odalys is in the middle." src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2244x1320+0+0/resize/2244x1320!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F04%2Fb54976eb449884ae16d1b815aa30%2Fap26267781548857.jpg" /><p>The Pacific Ocean has experienced an unusual number of storms in 2026, while the Atlantic has not recorded any full-blown hurricanes. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to an exceptionally strong El Niño.</p><p>(Image credit: NOAA via AP)</p><img src="https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5980351" />
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Pacific Ocean Experiences High Storm Activity; Atlantic Remains Calm Due to El Niño
In 2026, the Pacific Ocean has seen a significant increase in storm activity, while the Atlantic has not reported any hurricanes. This disparity is linked to a strong El Niño, according to scientists.
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Original vs. Neutral
Original Headline
The Pacific is churning with hurricanes. The Atlantic is quiet. Blame El Niño
Neutral Headline
Pacific Ocean Experiences High Storm Activity; Atlantic Remains Calm Due to El Niño