COLUMBIA, S.C. — When El Niño conditions coincide with above-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific, it will likely result in a hurricane season that is either near-normal or above-normal.
The 2023 Eastern Pacific hurricane season began with Adrian. Tropical Storm Adrian developed in June, rapidly intensifying into the first hurricane of the season. Adrian reached Category 2 status.
Hurricane Calvin, the first major hurricane, moved through the central Pacific, fortunately, causing limited damage.
Hurricane Dora in early August led to strong trade winds that aided wildfires in Hawaii. The most devastating fire occurred on Maui, resulting in dozens of casualties and significant damage. This marked the deadliest natural disaster in recorded Hawaii history.
Baja California faced the wrath of Hurricane Hilary. It intensified into a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall, resulting in flooding, downed trees, and widespread damage.
Hurricane Jova underwent rapid intensification and briefly reached Category 5 status before weakening.