The 2026 Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30 in the Eastern Pacific (and June 1 to November 30 in the Central Pacific), with forecasters predicting an above-normal season due to a developing El Niño. The season had an exceptionally strong start, with three named storms forming by early June—the most active opening since 1985—including Tropical Storm Amanda (June 2), Boris (June 7), and Cristina (June 8), which caused flooding in Central America. In July, Hurricane Fausto became the first hurricane of the season, while Hurricane Genevieve escalated to become the first major hurricane and first Category 5 storm. August brought Hurricane Lala, which made history as the first hurricane to directly hit the Big Island of Hawaii since 1871 and became Hawaii's third-wettest tropical cyclone on record. Forecasts from Mexico's SMN and NOAA predicted 18–21 and 15–22 named storms, respectively, with NOAA citing the likely El Niño as the primary driver for the elevated numbers. With these record-breaking events and a strong start, the season has already demonstrated the significant power and impact of Pacific hurricanes.