North Pacific triple threat
For the first time ever, three concurrent Category 4 hurricanes have developed within Hawaii's forecast region. The hurricanes are sitting either side and just above Hawaii in the North Pacific Ocean as of last night.
There have been previous cases of three hurricanes existing at the same time, but never to Category 4 strength.
The three hurricanes are named Kilo (one furthest to the west), Ignacio (closest to Hawaii) and Jimena (east of Hawaii).
This development is related to the current El Nino, with sea surface temperatures through the central Eastern Pacific and off the Californian/Mexican Coast up to 3-4 degrees above average.
The Central Pacific only averages five hurricanes per year, with two thirds of these originating in the Eastern Pacific, so to have three significant and concurrent Category 4 systems is unusual. And it follows three prior hurricanes that passed by in the last month.
What's even more incredible is that Kilo, the hurricane sitting west of Hawaii, is forecast to slowly meander its way towards Japan while strengthening. It's predicted to develop into a super typhoon later this weekend (as Kilo moves into Japanese jurisdiction the 'hurricane' becomes a 'typhoon', although it's the same weather system), then over the following week move closer to the Japanese coast. If this scenario occurs, Kilo will become the longest lived hurricane ever. It could also deliver swell back from the W/NW in three weeks time as it makes an extra-tropical transition near Russia.
The hurricane activity is a promising sign for the upcoming North Shore season. El Nino seasons have been statistically shown to deliver increased swell activity across the North Pacific, and the unusual trio of hurricanes bodes very well for surfers.
Swellnet will provide further updates on how Kilo develops, and also any other North Pacific activity prior to the official beginning of the Hawaiian season. //CRAIG BROKENSHA
Comments
Awesome stuff.
First time ever eh!
Kilo sounds that it will have a bit of weight behind it;)
We've had a cracker summer for waves. It just hasn't stopped for weeks now but the winds have been so shitty.
I can't remember the last time we've even had a sniff of an offshore.
Mind you, I'm not complaining:)
Happy for you Zen. Meanwhile, as a central GC dweller, I can't remember the last time I went in the water. 80 guys on a 1-1.5 ft, super inconsistent, straight South swell and me don't mix. Seems to be getting worse the longer it goes on. I effen hate South swells, man...
Its party time in North Pacific. Swellnet needs to send a delegation to investigate this El Nino on the ground. Zen can be Japanese report (cheapas hes already there) and then a team for Hawaii, Craig on the forecast, Camel on the Desert Storm and freeride on the pencil. Welly can bring the beers and ciggies and I will manage the cheque book for expenses......Southey can be reserve climate forecaster and backup if Camel gets taken out at Jaws.....Stu its a dream team
I'm in!
Sold.
Haha that was easy....didnt even need an appearance fee Zen
Oh yeah I was thinking of hawaii this season mf
fuck it's a motley crew, but hell yeah
And Gary G as vibes man and personal trainer, thanks for the invite guys!
Camel when did you think of going? I am free for 6 weeks from 9th Jan. I read somewhere that the last two strong El Ninos only really kicked into gear late in the season. Not sure if that will be the case this year but Southy may know. I'm not going in the December or xmas hoidays ever again - its a zoo.
Got to be the year of the Eddie - surely.
Steve the Outsiders been quite lately.......
Maybe we need to get some crowd funding to get Camel to Peahi.
Websters buying Camls ticket to Peahi..........................Desert Storm orders gone mental thanks to Caml.
Mick Free I Hope the exchange $ rate improves for you by then !
Is that true?