Exclusive analysis: Developing El Niño likely to boost Eastern Pacific hurricane activity in 2026

Exclusive analysis: Developing El Niño likely to boost Eastern Pacific hurricane activity in 2026

With ENSO-neutral conditions currently in place and El Niño expected to develop heading into the upcoming summer, the FOX Forecast Center is taking a closer look at how this could impact the Eastern Pacific hurricane season this year. Since 1990, there has been roughly an 85% chance of above-average conditions when at least a moderate El Niño is present. This is largely driven by warmer sea surface temperatures, which provide more fuel for storms to develop and intensify.