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Puako Today
By the People, for the People
Hourly Weather for Puako, Hawaii
El Niño Possible: Spring, Hurricane Season Impacts
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific to warm over the next several months, marking a departure from La Niña to El Niño by the peak of the upcoming hurricane season. This transition could bring some changes to the weather in the Lower 48 states.
Why it matters
El Niño and La Niña weather patterns can have significant impacts on weather and climate conditions across the United States, including temperature, precipitation, and hurricane activity. Understanding the potential shift from La Niña to El Niño is important for preparing communities and industries for the changes that may occur.
The details
Meteorologist Jonathan Belles explains that the warming of water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific is a sign that the current La Niña pattern is likely to transition to an El Niño pattern in the coming months. This shift could influence weather patterns in the Lower 48 states, potentially bringing changes to temperature, precipitation, and hurricane activity.
- NOAA is now forecasting the water temperature transition.
- The shift from La Niña to El Niño is expected to occur by the peak of the upcoming hurricane season.
The players
NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.
Jonathan Belles
A meteorologist who explains the potential transition from La Niña to El Niño and its implications.
What they’re saying
“NOAA is now forecasting water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific to warm over the next several months, marking a departure from La Niña to El Niño by the peak of the upcoming hurricane season.”
— Jonathan Belles, Meteorologist (weather.com)
The takeaway
Understanding the potential shift from La Niña to El Niño is crucial for communities and industries to prepare for the changes in weather patterns that may occur, including impacts on temperature, precipitation, and hurricane activity.
