This year is expected to be the most active Eastern Pacific hurricane season on record with the Tropical Storm Tara, followed by upcoming storm Vicente.
So far, there have been 20 named storms in the Eastern Pacific Basin, nine of them being major of Category 3 intensity while 12 of them ended up being normal hurricanes.
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According to data analysis, 2018 season was the second most active Eastern Pacific season when compared to 1971. This year started with hurricane Hector, followed by Lane, Norman, Olivia and Sergio, all of them lasting more than 10 days.
Two key reasons for these storms lasting for longer periods of time can be the warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear.
The sea-surface temperatures have been above average since the beginning of hurricane season from Mexico's Pacific coast to the vicinity of the International Date Line.
Another factor that contributes is the wind shear that has been lower in the tropical cyclone zone of the Eastern Pacific from Hawaii to Mexico.
An average Eastern Pacific season produces one additional named storm through the end of the hurricane season. Hence, it is expected that 2018 may set a record in the 48 years of such records in the Eastern Pacific Basin.
Image Credit: VOX
