El Niño fuels a busy Pacific season as Hawaii faces Lowell and California braces for tropical moisture and swells
El Niño is boosting the eastern Pacific’s tropical season, with forecasts for up to 22 named storms and 9–13 hurricanes. A near-term threat to Hawaii comes from Category 5 Lowell, which could bring rough surf and heavy rain if it tracks close; meanwhile tropical moisture from Marie could dip into the southwestern U.S., including California, raising heavy rain and flash‑flood risks, though direct landfall in California is unlikely; swells and sneaker waves are expected along the California coast through Labor Day weekend, with another moisture surge possible in mid-September.