The National Hurricane Center reported Tuesday that Hurricane Polo has strengthened into a Category‑5 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 160 mph over the Pacific Ocean. Forecasters expect the powerful cyclone to bring heavy rain to southwestern Mexico while remaining offshore, though they caution that shifts in the storm’s trajectory remain possible as it tracks along the coast.
Current Atlantic activity remains quiet
In contrast, tropical weather in the Atlantic Ocean is unusually calm during the September peak of the hurricane season. Tropical Storm Fay is moving across the Atlantic, but the Center now believes it is unlikely to become the season’s first Atlantic hurricane.
El Niño’s role in the quiet Atlantic
Experts attribute the lull in Atlantic storm development largely to a strengthening El Niño in the Pacific. The increased wind shear associated with El Niño has been suppressing nascent storms before they can intensify.
What the future may hold
September traditionally marks the height of the hurricane season, yet forecasters do not anticipate new Atlantic storms forming in the near term. Meanwhile, residents of Mexico’s southwestern coast are advised to monitor local weather updates and heed any advisories should Polo’s path change.
The National Hurricane Center will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
