Amanda comes to life as the Pacific's first tropical storm in 2026
The Eastern Pacific Ocean has its first named storm of the 2026 hurricane season, Tropical Storm Amanda, which isn't expected to pose any threat to land over the course of its life
A little more than two weeks after the start of the Pacific hurricane season (May 15), we have our first named storm in 2026.
Tropical Storm Amanda came to fruition on Wednesday in the Eastern Pacific region, and is currently moving in a northwesterly direction that is guided by the mid-level ridge in the northeastern section.
It is expected to continue to strengthen over the next couple days before weakening, but is forecast to remain at sea with no threat to land.
The Eastern Pacific is forecast to see an above-average hurricane season:
15-22 named storms
9-14 hurricanes
5-9 major hurricanes
A transition into an El Niño does mean the Eastern Pacific is expected to have a more active year compared to its Atlantic counterparts.
That is due to the lower wind shear in the East Pacific, and as well as above-seasonal sea surface temperatures.
The Atlantic hurricane season is just kicking off, with the main development zone remaining quiet as sea surface temperatures are near normal.
With files from Rhythm Reet, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
Thumbnail courtesy of NOAA.