This year has seen an unusually active hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean, with the number of hurricanes in the eastern Pacific already exceeding typical seasonal averages. Hurricane Polo has been wreaking havoc on Mexico’s Pacific Coast this week, fluctuating between Category 4 and 5 strength. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, Tropical Storm Nolo is growing in intensity and could bring catastrophic flooding if it strengthens significantly in the coming days. University of Miami hurricane expert Brian McNoldy attributes this unusual activity to current El Niño conditions, which have caused ocean temperatures to rise above normal. These warmer waters have triggered a range of weather anomalies globally. McNoldy predicts the El Niño will reach its peak during the upcoming winter and continue into 2027. As a result, both the eastern and central Pacific have seen four more tropical storms than usual this season, with more than two months still remaining in the hurricane season, which runs from May 15 to November 30. In the eastern Pacific, the average number of named storms per season from 1991 to 2020 was 15. This year, three hurricanes have reached Category 5 strength, matching a record set in 2002 during another El Niño. The most active season on record in the eastern Pacific was 1992, with 25 named storms. In the central Pacific, the most active season was in 2015 with 14 named storms. During the strong El Niño in 1997, Hurricane Pauline caused significant damage in Mexico, and Tropical Storm Nora brought unexpected rain to Arizona. El Niño events have also led to severe flooding in other parts of the world, including China in 1998, where 4,150 people died from floods along the Yangtze River. Hawaii has been hit hard by two hurricanes in the past month—Lala in August and Lowell in early September—causing damage to over 510 homes and $168 million in public infrastructure. Lala also caused $21.5 million in damage to 38 schools. If Tropical Storm Nolo follows current forecasts and strengthens significantly, it would be the third major storm to impact Hawaii this year. Forecasters warn that the storm could bring rainfall measured in feet, not inches. This comes after heavy rains in March caused the worst flooding in Hawaii in two decades, followed by a magnitude-6.0 earthquake in May. Governor Josh Green described the year as “unlike anything I can recall.” Historically, two hurricanes came within 200 miles of Hawaii in 1957, and the next occurrence was not until 2014, 2016, and 2018. This year is expected to be the third in a row with significant storm impacts. Meteorologists are concerned about “preparedness fatigue,” a phenomenon where communities become weary from repeatedly preparing for storms that may not materialize or are less severe than expected. However, John Bravender, a warning coordination meteorologist, notes that 2026 has brought a different kind of exhaustion in Hawaii due to the continuous damaging impacts. Residents are increasingly aware of the risks and are becoming more self-sufficient, preparing for potential storms and looking out for their neighbors.