Atlantic Ocean

USA Today reports that hurricane activity is behaving abnormally across two ocean basins, with conditions described as historically out of whack. The Atlantic and Pacific seasons have both deviated from typical patterns, prompting meteorologists and readers to question how climate change may be reshaping storm formation, timing, and intensity this year.

El Niño conditions are driving an unusual split in hurricane activity: the Pacific is producing storms at a vigorous pace while the Atlantic hurricane season remains unusually calm. Forecasters attribute the contrast to El Niño's strengthening of winds that tear Atlantic storms apart, while simultaneously fueling storm development in the warmer Pacific. The pattern is shaping expectations for the rest of the season.

The Atlantic has yet to produce a hurricane this season, and climate outlet Grist attributes the calm to El Niño. The phenomenon, which is driving record ocean temperatures worldwide, creates wind shear over the Atlantic that suppresses tropical storm development. The piece notes the irony that the same pattern raising global temperatures is also canceling Atlantic tropical activity, at least for now.

A Delta Air Lines flight heading to Boston made an emergency diversion after smoke filled the cabin while it was over the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft was redirected to land safely, and the incident is drawing attention as travelers and news outlets follow reports of what caused the smoke and whether anyone on board was harmed.

Forecasters are tracking continued tropical activity in the Eastern Pacific while monitoring a new area of interest in the Atlantic. The update highlights that both basins remain watchful as the season progresses, with no specific storm impacts named yet. Residents in coastal regions are advised to keep an eye on upcoming forecasts as systems develop.

Hawaii has experienced its third near-miss from a Pacific hurricane this season, according to reporting in The Atlantic. The storms have tracked close enough to the islands to raise alarms, prompting evacuations and emergency preparations even without direct landfalls. Commenters are linking the pattern to warmer ocean temperatures and are debating whether climate change is increasing hurricane threats to the islands.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo has lost its tropical characteristics and transitioned into a post-tropical system over the open Atlantic, according to forecasters. The storm no longer poses the organized wind and rain threat typical of tropical cyclones, and its remnants are expected to continue moving across the ocean. Meteorologists are monitoring whether any remains affect shipping routes or distant shores.

Ocean City, Maryland has issued warnings about flooding and high winds, with high tides forcing the closure of several roads. Officials are cautioning residents and visitors about hazardous conditions along the coastal resort town, particularly in areas prone to tidal flooding. Similar coastal flood warnings have been affecting communities along the mid-Atlantic coast during recent high tide cycles.