2010 Central Pacific Hurricane Season and La Niña Update

Hurricane Season Update: On May 19, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued their 2010 season outlook which called for below normal activity in the central Pacific. During a typical season, 4 to 5 tropical cyclones form within or move into the central Pacific. Since the start of the hurricane season on June 1, no tropical cyclones either formed within or moved into the central Pacific.

Image courtesy National Weather Service.

Several disturbances were closely monitored, though none developed into a viable tropical cyclone. All residents and visitors are reminded hurricane season does not end until November 30 and late season tropical cyclones are still possible. Everyone in the State of Hawaii is urged to maintain preparedness throughout the year.

El Nino/La Nina Update: Beginning in May 2010, the sea surface temperatures across much of the equatorial Pacific entered a cooler than normal phase, signaling the onset of La Niña. La Niña conditions currently exist across the equatorial Pacific with water temperatures about 2 – 3 degrees F below normal. Moderate to strong La Nina conditions are expected to last at least through the northern hemisphere winter 2010 – 2011.
On the Web:
NOAA Climate Prediction Center: http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/
NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center: http://www.weather.gov/cphc/

(Information courtesy: National Weather Service)