Washington (United States) (AFP) - The Pacific Ocean witnessed a rare phenomenon on Thursday, represented by the presence of three hurricanes simultaneously, which scientists attributed to the rise in water temperatures caused by the exceptionally strong “El Niño” phenomenon.

Published on: 03/09/2026 - 12:19

Tropical Storm Marie intensified into a hurricane late Wednesday off the coast of Baja California, joining Hurricanes Karina and Lowell (both Category 4), which were making their way west across the Pacific Ocean.

Julia Cole, a climate scientist at the University of Michigan, told AFP that seeing three tornadoes at the same time is "certainly rare."

She added, "The warming phenomenon associated with El Niño creates the appropriate conditions for these storms, which feed largely on warm water. When the waters of the tropical Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual, we see an increase in strong storms."

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Lowell was located about 710 kilometers south of Hilo, Hawaii, and is expected to "remain a strong hurricane over the next few days" as it moves west.

The center stated that the strong waves resulting from Hurricane Lowell are likely to cause marine conditions that pose a threat to the lives of beachgoers, including strong waves and rip currents, in parts of the Hawaiian Islands in the coming days, noting that forecasts regarding the hurricane’s path and intensity in the long term are characterized by “a greater degree of uncertainty than usual.”

Hawaii is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Lala, which passed along the southern part of the Big Island last month, accompanied by devastating winds and sudden, violent floods.

The National Hurricane Center announced late Wednesday that Hurricane Karina had weakened slightly as it moved toward the northwest, but it was likely to remain a hurricane during the next two days.

Hurricane Marie comes behind Lowell and Karina from the east. It was located 600 kilometers southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, and its strength is expected to increase during Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Warm waters provide fuel for storms, and the effect of El Niño on the atmosphere leads to a decrease in "vertical wind shear" (change in wind speed and direction with height) over the Pacific Ocean, creating favorable conditions for increased hurricane intensity.

© 2026 AFP

The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.