Pacific hurricane region sets record for long-lasting storms driven by El Niño

The eastern Pacific hurricane basin has broken the record for accumulated cyclone energy, a measure combining storm wind speed and longevity, surpassing the previous high set in 2018. Researchers say the milestone was reached on Sunday as Hurricane Simon remains active and another system appears poised to strengthen.

A strong El Niño is the primary driver, weakening vertical wind shear that normally disrupts storms and providing unusually warm ocean water as fuel. Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach noted that since Hurricane Odalys formed on September 20, nearly every system has become long-lived and intense.

“Since September 20th, when Odalys formed, it's been berserk.”

The same El Niño pattern is suppressing Atlantic hurricane activity, where accumulated cyclone energy stands at less than 18 percent of the seasonal norm. University of Arizona atmospheric scientist Kim Wood said it feels as though almost every disturbance that can develop does develop in the Pacific.

On Tuesday the basin is expected to tie the record for most days with an active hurricane and likely break it soon after. Forecasters are monitoring Hurricane Simon and a potential new storm that could further increase the record-setting pace.