Tropical storms Karina and Lowell to become hurricanes as tropical traffic jam continues in the Pacific
The FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring several disturbances across the Pacific Basin, including tropical storms Karina and Lowell, which are forecast to become hurricanes.
Eastern Pacific roaring with activity as tropical traffic jam continues
Tropical storms Lowell and Karina continue their trek through the Pacific Ocean, with both expected to strengthen into hurricanes in the coming days. Two other areas to watch join them. See the latest forecast:
THE TAKEAWAY
- Tropical storms Karina and Lowell are likely to become hurricanes.
- Two other areas to watch carry medium and high chances of development, respectively.
- Warm waters of the Central and Eastern Pacific are very favorable for tropical development amid strengthening El Niño.
The flurry of tropical activity in the Pacific continues as tropical storms Karina and Lowell and two other disturbances cause a tropical ‘traffic jam,' fueled by a strengthening El Niño.
(FOX Weather)
Tropical Storm Karina is moving northwest at 12 mph with 70 mph wind gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Karina is likely to become a hurricane on Saturday.
Karina is forecast to become a Category 3 or stronger hurricane by next week.
(FOX Weather)
The agency also said Tropical Storm Lowell is moving west at 8 mph with 45 mph wind gusts.
Lowell is forecast to continue moving west but pick up speed in the coming days, gradually increasing in intensity by Monday, when it's likely to become a hurricane.
(FOX Weather)
Both storms are expected to remain well out to sea with no direct impacts to land.
LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS
The NHC said swells generated by Karina will begin to affect portions of the coast of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula this weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
(FOX Weather)
Other areas to watch in the Pacific
Additionally, the FOX Forecast Center is also monitoring two other areas to watch in the Pacific, with one of the two having a high potential to develop over the coming days.
An area the FOX Forecast Center is monitoring is also southwest of the Mexican coast, where an area of disturbed weather associated with a tropical wave is not far from where we are monitoring Tropical Storm Karina.
Environmental conditions will be conducive for growth, and a Tropical Depression is likely to form in the next several days.
HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON
(FOX Weather)
Along with that, a separate disturbance south of Hawaii in the central Pacific has a medium chance of development in the next week.
The NHC said an area of low pressure is expected to develop south of the Hawaiian Islands in the coming days.
(FOX Weather)
Some gradual development is possible after the area of low pressure forms, and a Tropical Depression is possible toward the middle of next week.
This system will stay well offshore and not impact Hawaii.
Stick with FOX Weather for your latest tropical updates.