The 2008 Pacific hurricane season was a near-average Pacific hurricane season which featured seventeen named storms, though most were rather weak and short-lived. Only seven storms became hurricanes, of which two intensified into major hurricanes. This season was also the first since 1996 to have no cyclones cross into the central Pacific (between 140°W to the International Date Line).[1] The season officially began on May15 in the eastern Pacific (east of 140°W) and on June1 in the central Pacific. It ended in both regions on November30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclone formation occurs in these regions of the Pacific. This season, the first system, Tropical Storm Alma, formed on May29, and the last, Tropical Storm Polo, dissipated on November5.
During the season, 4 eastern Pacific systems (Julio, Karina, Lowell, and Marie) developed, at least in part, from tropical waves that had already produced named storms in the Atlantic basin.[2] Several storms affected land this year. Alma made landfall along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, becoming the first known storm to do so. It killed 9 and caused over US$35 million in damage (value in 2008). Hurricane Norbert became the strongest hurricane to hit the western side of the Baja Peninsula on record, killing 25 and causing widespread damage over Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Sinaloa in Mexico. Tropical Depression Five-E made landfall along the south-western Mexican coastline in July 2008, producing heavy rainfall in parts of southwestern Mexico, which these rains triggered flooding that killed two people and left roughly $2.2 million in damages. Julio produced lightning and locally heavy rainfall, which left more than a dozen communities isolated due to flooding. The flooding damaged several houses and killed two people. Lowell left $15.5 million in damage as it made landfall in Baja California Peninsula as a tropical depression, and affected parts of West Coast and the Gulf Coast. Odile dumped squally rainfall on Central America as a tropical wave, while it brought heavy rainfall across southern Mexico.
Seasonal forecasts
Predictions of tropical activity in the 2007 season
On May16, 2008, the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional posted their outlook for the 2008 Pacific hurricane season, forecasting 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes.[5] Three days later, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Central Pacific Hurricane Center released their forecast for the central Pacific, predicting three or four tropical cyclones to form or cross into the basin; an average season sees four or five tropical cyclones, of which two further intensify into hurricanes.[7] On May22, meanwhile, the Climate Prediction Center released their outlook, forecasting a 70 percent probability of a below-average year, a 25 percent chance of a near-average year, and only a 5 percent chance of an above-average year. The organization predicted 11–16 named storms, 5–8 hurricanes, 1–3 major hurricanes, and an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index 40–100 percent of the long-term median. All three groups cited the effects of the ongoing La Niña, as well as the continuation of a multi-decadal decline in Pacific hurricane activity, as their reasoning behind the below-average forecasts.[6]
The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2008 Pacific hurricane season as calculated by Colorado State University using data from the National Hurricane Center was 83.8units.[nb 1][8] Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39mph (63km/h).
The activity of the season was relatively quiet overall, with 16 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 2 major hurricanes; 1 tropical storm formed in the Central Pacific. The main contributing factor to a slower season was the 2007–08 La Niña event in the equatorial Pacific; although cold ocean temperature anomalies dissipated during the early summer of 2008, a La Niña-like atmospheric circulation persisted. This led to anomalously strong easterly wind shear across the East Pacific, hindering the intensification of most tropical cyclones. In addition, water temperatures across the basin were cooler than in years past, though still near the long-term average.
The first storm of the year, Alma, developed on May29 farther east than any other Eastern Pacific cyclone on record, excluding Atlantic systems that crossed over into the basin. Later that day, it made landfall on the Pacific coast of Central America, the first cyclone to do so since the 1949 Texas hurricane. June and July saw near average tropical cyclone activity, while August was a below-average month overall. September 2008 was the quietest since reliable records began in 1971, with a monthly ACE index only 9 percent of average. In terms of ACE, seasonal activity ended about 75 percent of the long-term median.[2]
A nearly stationary trough of low pressure formed over the extreme eastern Pacific in late May, and the system organized into a tropical depression around 00:00UTC on May29, becoming the easternmost-forming tropical cyclone on record in the basin. The newly formed system intensified into a tropical storm six hours later, earning the name Alma, and attained peak winds of 65mph (105km/h) around 18:00UTC as an eye-like feature became apparent on satellite. Moving northward, Alma made landfall near León, Nicaragua, at that strength before rapidly weakening inland. Its low-level circulation dissipated over the mountains of western Honduras around 18:00UTC on May30, but remnant convective activity aided in the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur in the western Caribbean a day later.[9]
Alma produced devastating rainfall across Central America, with peak accumulations of 14.82in (376.4mm) in Quepos, Costa Rica. The nearby cities of Guanacaste and Puntarenas were most heavily affected with over 1,000 homes damaged, of which over 150 were destroyed. Throughout all of Costa Rica, more than 100 roads and bridges were damaged, leaving several communities isolated for several days. In Nicaragua, the departments of León and Chinandega saw approximately 200 homes damaged; across Honduras, an additional 175 homes were adversely impacted. Six people died in Honduras: a young girl who was swept away by a fast-moving river and five people who perished following the crash of TACA Flight 390. Two more deaths occurred in Nicaragua due to electrocutions from downed power lines, and one death occurred offshore when a fishing vessel sank. Nine people on boats went missing in the wake of the cyclone.[9]
A westward-moving tropical wave departed the western coast of Africa on June14 and entered the eastern Pacific a week later. A broad surface low formed in association with the feature south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec on June23, and its organization led to the development of a tropical depression around 06:00UTC on June27. The cyclone only slowly organized in a moderate wind shear regime, becoming Tropical Storm Boris six hours later and remaining fairly steady state for a few days thereafter. Shear lessened on June29, allowing Boris to attain hurricane intensity two days later as an eye developed. This feature was temporarily eroded late on July1, but reappeared by 06:00UTC on July2 when the cyclone attained peak winds of 80mph (130km/h). Cold waters and a more stable environment then prompted rapid weakening, and Boris ultimately degenerated to a remnant low by 12:00UTC on July4. The post-tropical cyclone continued westward until dissipating early on July6.[10]
The season's third tropical depression developed around 18:00UTC on June27 from a tropical wave that crossed Central America four days prior. In an environment of low shear but abundant dry air and marginal ocean temperatures, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Cristina around 12:00UTC on June28 before attaining peak winds of 50mph (80km/h) six hours later. The cyclone moved west-northwest and then west as high pressure expanded to its north. Abundant dry air and stronger upper-level winds capped the storm's organization to intermittent, amorphous bursts of convection that eventually dissipated, and Cristina degenerated to a remnant low around 18:00UTC on June30. The low turned southward before dissipating on July3.[11]
An organized tropical wave departed the western coast of Africa on June19 and reached the waters south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec late the next week. The system steadily congealed into a tropical depression by 18:00UTC on July1. Paralleling the coastline of southwestern Mexico, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Douglas and attained peak winds of 40mph (65km/h) around 12:00UTC the next morning, despite the effects of strong northeasterly wind shear. As upper-level winds increased further and Douglas tracked northwest into cooler waters, it began a weakening trend that ended in its degeneration to a remnant low around 06:00UTC on July4. The low turned west within low-level flow and dissipated two days later.[12]
Due to the proximity to land, outer rain bands associated with Douglas produced tropical storm force winds in Manzanillo, Mexico.[12] Minor flood damage was reported along the coastline in Colima, Jalisco, and Nayarit.[13] Due to the proximity to land, the outer bands of Douglas produced tropical storm force winds in Manzanillo, Mexico.[12] Minor flooding was reported along the coastline in Colima, Jalisco, and Nayarit.[13] Moisture associated with Douglas produced light rain over parts of Baja California Sur, with heavier amounts in Todos los Santos.[14]
A tropical wave departed the western coast of Africa on June23 and began steady organization after entering the eastern Pacific over a week later. The system acquired sufficient organization to be declared a tropical depression around 18:00UTC on July5 and embarked on a northwesterly course parallel to the coastline of Mexico. The following day, however, a weakening mid-level ridge to its north directed the cyclone more poleward.[15] Strong easterly wind shear prevented the formation of banding features while keeping the overall cloud pattern disorganized,[16] and the depression moved ashore near Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, early on July7 without attaining tropical storm intensity. It dissipated over the mountainous terrain a few hours later.[15]
The tropical depression produced 5.11 inches (130mm) of rain in Manzanillo, with other locations also experiencing isolated rainfall.[15] Cerro de Ortega, Colima reported 12.99 inches (330mm) of rain in a 24-hour period. The community of Ometepec reported 7.88 inches (200mm). Other locations reported moderate rainfall, ranging around 5–7 inches (130–180mm).[17] One person was swept away by flood waters, reaching 1m (3.3ft) in depth. Heavy rains from the depression resulted in a traffic accident that killed one person and injured two others.[18] In all, damages from the storm amounted to MXN 30million ($2.2million).[19]
A tropical wave, indistinguishable in the Atlantic basin, crossed the coastline of Central America on July8 and organized into a tropical depression three days later around 18:00UTC. With a mid-level ridge extending from the Gulf of Mexico into western Mexico, the newly formed cyclone moved west-northwest within an increasingly favorable environment, intensifying into Tropical Storm Elida by 06:00UTC on July12 and becoming the season's first hurricane around 12:00UTC on July14. An abrupt increase in wind shear briefly weakened the storm the next day, but by 18:00UTC on July16,[20] the formation of an eye within Elida's round central dense overcast showcased its peak as a Category2 hurricane with winds of 105mph (170km/h).[21] The system then tracked into cooler waters and stronger upper-level winds, causing it to fall below hurricane intensity by 06:00UTC on July18 and degenerate to a remnant low early the next morning, although it maintained a well-defined circulation. The low ultimately dissipated well east-southeast of Hawaii by 00:00UTC on July22.[20]
Due to the proximity of Elida to Mexico, the Government of Mexico warned residents about the possibility of heavy rains from the outer edges of the storm.[22] Thunderstorms related to Elida developed over Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco.[23] In Nayarit, Elida produced storms that dropped torrential rainfall and hail that injured at least one person. The rainfall resulted in the formation of a lake roughly 45cm (18in) deep. Several trees feel, blocking streets for several hours. Street flooding reached a depth of 20cm (7.9in), inundating shops and some homes.[24] Indirect effects, such as large swells, were felt along the Mexican coastline as the storm produced waves up to 4m (13ft).[25] However, as trade winds increased during the middle of July, the remnants of Elida brought rainfall to east-facing slopes of the Island of Hawaii and Maui. Frequent rain showers produced 2 to 6 inches (51 to 152mm) of precipitation in those regions, but no significant flooding occurred.[26]
A tropical wave exited western Africa on July4, which moved westward across the Atlantic without development. It entered the eastern Pacific on July12 and began to show signs of development the next day. On July16, the system organized into Tropical Depression 7E, located about 550mi (885km) southeast of Acapulco, Mexico. Steered by a ridge to the north, the system moved generally northwestward throughout its duration.[27] With thunderstorms located around the circulation amid moderate wind shear,[28] the depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Fausto. As a large cyclone, Fausto slowly intensified, with relaxing wind shear and warm waters.[27] Although the circulation was occasionally exposed from the thunderstorms,[29] a banding eye feature began to develop on July18.[30] Fausto attained hurricane status later that day. On July20, Fausto attained peak winds of 90mph (145km/h) and a minimum pressure of 977 mbar (hPa; 28.85inHg). Around that time, the hurricane passed between the islands of Clarion and Socorro. Cooler waters caused Fausto to weaken,[27] diminishing convective activity.[31] On July21, the hurricane weakened to a tropical storm, and further to a tropical depression the next day. With little or no remaining convection, the system degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area as it traveled towards the west-northwest. The remnants of Fausto dissipated on July24, while located about 1,065mi (1,715km) west of Cabo San Lucas.[27]
The outer bands of Fausto produced moderate rainfall over portions of Sinaloa, Mexico, peaking at 1.9in (50mm).[32] Several hours before the center of Fausto passed between Clarion Island and Socorro Island, sustained winds on Clarion were recorded at 64mph (103km/h) with gusts to 94mph (151km/h). Nearby Socorro recorded sustained winds of 79mph (127km/h) with gusts to 109mph (175km/h). Little or no damage was recorded on the islands. The hurricane-force winds reported on Socorro was recorded as Fausto made its closest approach to the island about 115mi (185km) to the southwest. However, due to the distance from the center of Fausto, these winds are suspected to be overestimated.[27] Along the coastline of Mexico, waves up to 8ft (2.4m) were recorded in relation to Fausto.[33]
A tropical wave moved off Africa on July6, spawning an area of low pressure over the western Caribbean Sea ten days later. After crossing into the eastern Pacific, the disturbance organized into a tropical depression around 12:00UTC on July21 and intensified into Tropical Storm Genevieve six hours later. Moderate easterly wind shear gave way to more favorable upper-level winds following formation, but the system soon tracked over cooler ocean waters caused by Hurricane Fausto, limiting its development. By July25, however, Genevieve moved into warmer waters and attained its peak as a Category1 hurricane with winds of 75mph (120km/h);[34] its satellite presentation at this time was characterized by hints of an eye within a small central dense overcast.[35] Encountering strong northerly wind shear, the cyclone began a steady weakening trend shortly thereafter and ultimately degenerated to a remnant low around 12:00UTC on July27. The low continued west and dissipated four days later.[34]
On July 24, a tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa, which traversed the Atlantic Ocean and eventually entered the eastern Pacific on August2. There, it interacted with a broad area of cyclonic flow south of Mexico.[36] Its associated convection increased and organized around a low-pressure area.[37][38] On August6, the NHC designated the system as Tropical Depression Nine-E about 775mi (1,245km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California Sur. A ridge over Mexico steered the depression to the northwest and later in a general westward direction. On August7, the NHC upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Hernan.[36] Although Hernan was located over warm waters, moderate wind shear prevented the storm from intensifying quickly.[39] An eye feature formed as wind shear diminished, signaling that Hernan intensified into a hurricane on August8.[40][41][42] After the eye became more defined, Hernan was upgraded to a major hurricane on August9, reaching peak winds of 120mph (195km/h).[43][36]
After reaching its peak, Hernan underwent an eyewall replacement cycle while also moving over cooler waters; this caused the hurricane to weaken.[36] The new eye deteriorated as the outflow diminished.[44][45][46] Early on August 11, Hernan was downgraded to a tropical storm.[47] Deep convection diminished around the center of the storm[48] and by August 12, almost all of the deep convection dissipated as Hernan continued to weaken.[49] On August13, Hernan degenerated into a remnant low after it lost its remaining thunderstorms. The low continued to the west-southwest over the next several days before dissipating 460mi (740km) southeast of the Island of Hawaii on August 16.[36] The remnant low-pressure area of Hernan later brought moisture to the island of Hawaii, causing cloud and shower activity. The associated rainfall was light and insignificant.[50]
On the morning of August 5, the CPHC began monitoring an area of low pressure 1,200mi (1,930km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii;[51] the system became better organized later in the day as the system was classified as a tropical disturbance[52] and was declared Tropical Depression One-C on August 7 850mi (1,370km) southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.[53] One-C was being steered toward the west due to easterly trade winds caused by large subtropical high-pressure area located northeast of Hawaii.[54] The depression was quickly upgraded to Tropical Storm Kika later that night.[55] Despite strong wind shear,[56] the storm was expected to attain winds at 60mph (95km/h).[57] However, this did not occur. After turning west-northwest and attaining peak intensity,[4] Kika became less organized the following morning and the CPHC subsequently downgraded it to a tropical depression.[58] After a revival in convection[59] Kika was re-upgraded to a tropical storm again that evening.[4] Even though wind shear was significantly diminishing, the storm became even less organized was moving over cooling water.[60] Late on August 9, Kika weakened to a tropical depression once more, but was briefly re-upgraded into a tropical storm as it became better organized very late that night.[61] By August 10, only isolated bursts of thunderstorms had remained around the center;[62] as such, Kika was downgraded into a tropical depression.[4] After a brief increase in thunderstorm activity, one Tropical cyclone forecast model showed Kika reaching hurricane status.[63] Kika degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area that night 400mi (645km) away from the Johnston Atoll.[4] The remnant low was last noted on August 14 as it crossed the International Date Line, out of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.[64]
A tropical wave left Africa on July30 and began to show signs of organization as it crossed Central America early on August8. It temporarily weakened thereafter, but began to coalesce again late on August12; by 12:00UTC the next morning, it had developed into a tropical depression. Six hours later, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Iselle. High pressure to its north directed Iselle on a northwest trajectory, while moderate easterly wind shear limited the storm peak to 50mph (80km/h) on the morning of August14. Increasing upper-level winds, cooler waters, and entrainment of dry air all hindered the system, causing it to weaken to a tropical depression around 00:00UTC on August16 and degenerate to a remnant low a day later. The low moved south and west before dissipating on August23.[65]
A tropical wave moved off Africa on August6, first spawning Tropical Storm Fay in the Atlantic before continuing into the eastern Pacific on August17. It began to organize several days later, leading to the formation of a tropical depression by 12:00UTC on August23; six hours later, it intensified into Tropical Storm Julio. An area of high pressure over Mexico directed the nascent cyclone north-northwest, while moderate upper-level winds prevented Julio from strengthening beyond 50mph (80km/h). Around 00:00UTC on August25, the storm made landfall approximately 40mi (65km) west-southwest of La Paz, Baja California Sur, with winds of 45mph (70km/h). Slow weakening occurred as Julio entered the Gulf of California, and it fell to tropical depression intensity around 00:00UTC on August26 before degenerating to a remnant low eighteen hours later. The low drifted east before dissipating on the coast of mainland Mexico by 12:00UTC on August27.[66]
As Julio made landfall, it produced lightning and locally heavy rainfall,[67] which left more than a dozen communities isolated due to flooding. The flooding damaged several houses and killed one person.[68] Winds were generally light,[67] although strong enough to damage a few electrical poles and small buildings.[69] Moisture from Julio developed thunderstorms across Arizona, including one near Chandler which produced winds of 75mph (120km/h); the storm damaged ten small planes at Chandler Municipal Airport, as well as a hangar. The storms also dropped light rainfall, reaching over 1inch (25mm) in Gilbert, which caused flooding on Interstate 17.[70]
A tropical wave, the same that spawned Hurricane Gustav while in the Atlantic, crossed Central America on August28. Convection slowly increased as it moved westward, and an area of low pressure developed just south of the Mexico coastline on August30. Despite strong easterly wind shear, shower and thunderstorm activity formed close enough to the center for the disturbance to become a tropical depression around 06:00UTC on September2. A brief relaxation in upper-level winds allowed the depression to intensify into Tropical Storm Karina six hours later before wind shear once again increased, leading to a steady weakening trend and degeneration to a remnant low by 18:00UTC on September3.[71]
A tropical wave emerged from Africa on August19, the northern half of which spawned Hurricane Hanna, while the second half continued west. It entered the East Pacific by August28, interacting with a broad cyclonic gyre spawned by a pre-existing surface trough in the region. As the wave reached the western edge of the gyre, it formed an area of low pressure that further organized into a tropical depression around 12:00UTC on September6. It intensified into Tropical Storm Lowell twelve hours later. The cyclone moved along the western periphery of an anticyclone over Mexico, and this feature imparted strong upper-level winds on Lowell that limited its peak strength to 50mph (80km/h). Wind shear eventually slackened, but the storm progressed into a drier environment and began to weaken. After falling to tropical depression intensity, Lowell turned east and made landfall near Cabo San Lucas around 09:00UTC on September11. It opened up into an elongated surface trough nine hours later.[72]
Lowell made landfall as a tropical depression in Baja California but its effects where felt at more inland areas. In Michoacán, Sonora, and Sinaloa, flooding from Lowell's remnants left more than 26,500 people homeless. No deaths were reported.[73] Damage in Sonora totaled over 200 million pesos – US$15.5 million (value in 2008).[74]
Moisture from Lowell eventually joined with a cold front and the remnants of Hurricane Ike and caused significant damage. As this conglomeration of moisture traveled through the United States it caused extensive flooding in Illinois. In Chicago it broke flooding records dating back to 1871.[75]
Marie developed on October1 from a tropical wave that departed Africa nearly a month earlier on September6. The wave moved west through the tropical Atlantic and the Caribbean, before crossing Central America on September24, still poorly organized. An area of low pressure formed on September28, and it began a gradual organization trend that led to the formation of a tropical depression around 06:00UTC on October1, and to the designation of Tropical Storm Marie six hours later. With light upper-level winds, Marie began a period of quick intensification on October3, bringing it to hurricane strength at 18:00UTC that afternoon and to a peak of 80mph (130km/h) the next morning. The hurricane soon began to enter cooler ocean temperatures, prompting a gradual decline in intensity before Marie degenerated to a remnant low around 00:00UTC on October7. The tenacious post-tropical cyclone meandered for nearly two weeks before being absorbed into the Intertropical Convergence Zone on October19.[76]
The merging of two tropical waves resulted in the development of a tropical depression south of Mexico around 00:00UTC on October4. Steered by a mid-level ridge to its north, the depression gradually intensified, becoming Tropical Storm Norbert a day after formation and attaining hurricane strength around 06:00UTC on October7. The hurricane rounded the ridge and began to rapidly intensify, ultimately reaching its peak as a Category4 hurricane with winds of 130mph (210km/h) near 18:00UTC on October8. An eyewall replacement cycle weakened Norbert to Category1 strength late on October9, but favorable environmental conditions allowed the system to re-attain major hurricane intensity around 06:00UTC on October11. Norbert made landfall just southeast of Bahia Magdalena, Baja California, around 16:30UTC on October11 at a slightly reduced strength of 105mph (170km/h). An increase in wind shear caused the system to weaken to 85mph (135km/h) as it made a second landfall east-southeast of Huatabampo, Sonora, around 04:00UTC on October12. Norbert continued northeast and rapidly dissipated over the mountains of northeastern Mexico by 18:00UTC.[77]
Hurricane Norbert struck Mexico's Baja California peninsula with torrential rains and winds of up to 155km/h. Strong winds bent palm trees along coastal areas. Some streets were in knee-deep water in the town of Puerto San Carlos. Norbert ripped off roofs, knocking down trees and left one person missing and more than 20,000 homes without electricity, local authorities say. Some 2850 people were housed in temporary shelters. Forty percent of homes were totally or partially damaged on the islands of Margarita and Magdalena, mainly having lost their roofs, said a report from state protection services. La Paz international airport suspended its activities at midday local time Saturday, but the tourist resort of Los Cabos remained open. Hotel reservations were down by around 40 per cent mainly in Los Cabos and Loreto, local tourism officials said.[78]
Norbert was a Category 2 hurricane at landfall, which made Norbert the first October hurricane to strike the western Baja California peninsula since Hurricane Pauline forty years prior, and Norbert was the stronger of the two.
A complex series of interactions between two tropical waves, a frontal system, and a pre-existing area of vorticity led to the formation of a tropical depression just west of El Salvador around 12:00UTC on October8. The system moved west-northwest as it developed, steered by a large ridge over Mexico. Light upper-level winds allowed the depression to intensify into Tropical Storm Odile by 06:00UTC on October9 and attain peak winds of 60mph (95km/h) by early the next day. After maintaining its intensity for over 24 hours, increasing southeasterly wind shear prompted a rapid weakening trend. Odile fell to tropical depression strength early on October12 as it continued to parallel the coastline of Mexico, and it degenerated to a remnant low around 00:00UTC on October13. The post-tropical cyclone moved south-southwest and dissipated that day.[79]
Eighteen hours after it was named, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo.[80] It was replaced with a warning 12 hours later.[81] Before becoming a tropical wave, the precursor disturbance to Odile dumped heavy rainfall on Nicaragua, although any impact is unknown. Odile also caused heavy rain in Mexico. The system caused floods in Acapulco, which left 12 homes damaged.[82]
A slow-moving tropical wave left Africa on September30 and crossed into the East Pacific by October16. Convection developed and persisted as it continued west, leading to the formation of a tropical depression well south of Mexico around 06:00UTC on October23. As the newly formed cyclone reached the western periphery of a ridge over Mexico, it turned to the north. An approaching upper-level trough dictated the depression northwest early on October24 while also imparting increasing upper-level winds; for this reason, deep convection never organized about the center of the system, and it failed to intensify into a tropical storm. By 18:00UTC that day, it degenerated to a remnant area of low pressure. The post-tropical cyclone tracked west before dissipating early on October28.[83]
The final tropical cyclone of the 2008 season originated as a tropical wave that moved offshore Africa on October15. The wave moved west and crossed Central America by October29, subsequently merging with the ITCZ. A small area of low pressure developed along the wave axis, leading to the formation of a tropical depression around 12:00UTC on November2. Although the system never fully detached from the ITCZ, it intensified into Tropical Storm Polo twelve hours after formation, at an unusually low latitude. The development of a tiny eye-like feature signified the storm's peak strength of 45mph (70km/h) before increasing upper-level winds caused Polo to degenerate to an open trough by 06:00UTC on November5.[84]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Pacific east of 140°W during 2008.[85] This was the same list used in the 2002 season, except for the name Karina, which replaced Kenna.[86] A storm was named Karina for the first time this year.
For storms that form in the North Pacific between 140°W and the International Date Line, the names come from a series of four rotating lists. Names are used one after the other without regard to year, and when the bottom of one list is reached, the next named storm receives the name at the top of the next list.[85] One named storm, listed below, formed within the area in 2008.[1]
In April 2009, at the 31st Session of the RA IV Hurricane Committee, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Alma from its rotating name lists on account of the damage it caused in Central America. It was replaced with Amanda for the 2014 season.[87][88]
Season effects
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2008 Pacific hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2008 USD.
↑ The total represents the sum of the squares of the maximum sustained wind speed (knots) for every (sub)tropical storm's intensity of over 33knots (38mph, 61km/h), divided by 10,000 while they are above that threshold; therefore, tropical depressions are not included.
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The 2000 Pacific hurricane season was an above-average Pacific hurricane season, although most of the storms were weak and short-lived. There were few notable storms this year. Tropical storms Miriam, Norman, and Rosa all made landfall in Mexico with minimal impact. Hurricane Daniel briefly threatened the U.S. state of Hawaii while weakening. Hurricane Carlotta was the strongest storm of the year and the second-strongest June hurricane in recorded history. Carlotta killed 18 people when it sank a freighter. Overall, the season was significantly more active than the previous season, with 19 tropical storms. In addition, six hurricanes developed. Furthermore, there were total of two major hurricanes.
The 1996 Pacific hurricane season had below normal tropical cyclone activity, producing 9 tropical storms, of which 5 became hurricanes, with 2 of those intensifying into major hurricanes. With an Accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 53.9, the season ranks among the least intense Pacific hurricane seasons on record. It officially began May 15, 1996, in the eastern north Pacific and on June 1, 1996, in the central north Pacific. It ended on November 30, 1996. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The season slightly exceeded these bounds when tropical storm One-E formed on May 13.
The 1993 Pacific hurricane season included more than double the average number of major hurricanes – Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was the result of an El Niño event, which is the main factor contributing to above-average activity across the Pacific basin. The season featured 15 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 9 major hurricanes. While the number of named storms was near the long-term average, the number of hurricanes was above the average of 8, and the number of major hurricanes far exceeded the long-term average of 4. Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8, within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific. The season ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.
The 1990 Pacific hurricane season was a very active season which observed 21 named storms within the basin. The season also produced the fourth highest ACE index value on record. The season was officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 1990 by the formation of the season's first named storm, Hurricane Alma, on May 12. At the time, this was the earliest formation of a tropical storm on record in the eastern Pacific
The 1984 Pacific hurricane season featured numerous tropical cyclones, several of which were impactful to land. It was a busy hurricane season with 21 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and 7 major hurricanes, the latter of which are Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was unusual given the presence of a La Niña, which typically suppresses Central and East Pacific tropical cyclone activity, and only average sea surface temperatures. Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8. This lies within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific, and ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.
The 2012 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active Pacific hurricane season that saw an unusually high number of tropical cyclones pass west of the Baja California Peninsula. The season officially began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the central Pacific (from 140°W to the International Date Line, north of the equator; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in these regions of the Pacific Ocean. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year. This season's first system, Tropical Storm Aletta, formed on May 14, and the last, Tropical Storm Rosa, dissipated on November 3.
Hurricane Hernan was the second of three Category 5 hurricanes during the 2002 Pacific hurricane season. The twelfth tropical cyclone, tenth named storm and sixth hurricane of the season, Hernan originated from a tropical wave that formed in the Atlantic Ocean and crossed to the Pacific Ocean. The wave spawned a low-pressure area which organized into a tropical depression on August 30, a tropical storm on August 31 and a hurricane later that day. Hernan rapidly intensified and reached peak intensity as a Category 5 storm on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. Proceeding northwest, it maintained this strength for eight hours, but on September 2 it entered cooler waters and began to weaken. By September 6 it had degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure.
The 2008 Pacific hurricane season officially started on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. The first storm of the year, Tropical Storm Alma, developed on May 29, and the last, Tropical Storm Polo dissipated on November 5.[
Hurricane Hernan was fourth and final tropical cyclone to strike Mexico at hurricane intensity during the 1996 Pacific hurricane season. The thirteenth tropical cyclone, eighth named storm, and fifth hurricane of the season, Hernan developed as a tropical depression from a tropical wave to the south of Mexico on September 30. The depression quickly strengthened, and became Tropical Storm Hernan later that day. Hernan curved north-northwestward the following day, before eventually turning north-northeastward. Still offshore of the Mexican coast on October 2, Hernan intensified into a hurricane. Six hours later, Hernan attained its peak as an 85 mph (140 km/h) Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS). After weakening somewhat, on 1000 UTC October 3, Hurricane Hernan made landfall near Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). Only two hours after landfall, Hernan weakened to a tropical storm. By October 4, Tropical Storm Hernan had weakened into a tropical depression, and dissipated over Nayarit on the following day.
The 2013 Pacific hurricane season was an above average Pacific hurricane season with 21 tropical cyclones forming. Of these, 20 became named storms – 18 in the Eastern Pacific basin, and 2 in the Central Pacific basin. Of the 18 named storms in the east, 9 became hurricanes, with one, Raymond, becoming the season's only major hurricane. In the central, neither named storm became a hurricane. It was also a below-normal season in terms of Accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), as many of its systems were weak and short-lived. The season officially began on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific and started on June 1 in the Central Pacific; both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical development occurs in these North Pacific basins. The first cyclone, Tropical Storm Alvin, formed on May 15, and the last, Tropical Storm Sonia, dissipated on November 4.
The 2014 Pacific hurricane season was one of the busiest and costliest Pacific hurricane seasons since the keeping of reliable records began in 1949. The season officially started on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in these regions of the Pacific.
The 2015 Pacific hurricane season is the second-most active Pacific hurricane season on record, with 26 named storms, only behind the 1992 season. A record-tying 16 of those storms became hurricanes, and a record 11 storms further intensified into major hurricanes throughout the season. The Central Pacific, the portion of the Northeast Pacific Ocean between the International Date Line and the 140th meridian west, had its most active year on record, with 16 tropical cyclones forming in or entering the basin. Moreover, the season was the third-most active season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy, amassing a total of 290 units. The season officially started on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Northeast Pacific basin. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year. This was shown when a tropical depression formed on December 31. The above-average activity during the season was attributed in part to the very strong 2014–2016 El Niño event.
The 2016 Pacific hurricane season was tied as the fifth-most active Pacific hurricane season on record, alongside the 2014 season. Throughout the course of the year, a total of 22 named storms, 13 hurricanes and six major hurricanes were observed within the basin. Although the season was very active, it was considerably less active than the previous season, with large gaps of inactivity at the beginning and towards the end of the season. It officially started on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific ; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in these regions of the Pacific Ocean. However, tropical development is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the formation of Hurricane Pali on January 7, the earliest Central Pacific tropical cyclone on record. After Pali, however, no tropical cyclones developed in either region until a short-lived depression on June 6. Also, there were no additional named storms until July 2, when Tropical Storm Agatha formed, becoming the latest first-named Eastern Pacific tropical storm since Tropical Storm Ava in 1969, later was surpassed by Tropical Storm Aletta eight years later.
The 2017 Pacific hurricane season was an above average Pacific hurricane season in terms of named storms, though less active than the previous three, featuring eighteen named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Despite the considerable amount of activity, most of the storms were weak and short-lived. The season officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the respective regions. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 2017 by the formation of the season's first named storm, Tropical Storm Adrian, on May 9. At the time, this was the earliest formation of a tropical storm on record in the eastern Pacific basin proper. The season saw near-average activity in terms of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), in stark contrast to the extremely active seasons in 2014, 2015, and 2016; and for the first time since 2012, no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific basin. However, for the third year in a row, the season featured above-average activity in July, with the ACE value being the fifth highest for the month. Damage across the basin reached $375.28 million (2017 USD), while 45 people were killed by the various storms.
The 2019 Pacific hurricane season was an above average season which produced nineteen named storms, most of which were rather weak and short-lived. Only seven hurricanes formed, the fewest since 2010. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. This season was one of the latest-starting Pacific hurricane seasons on record, with the first tropical cyclone, Hurricane Alvin, forming on June 25. The final system, Tropical Depression Twenty-One-E, dissipated on November 18.
The 2020 Pacific hurricane season was a near average Pacific hurricane season in terms of named storms, featuring 17, but well below average season for hurricanes and major hurricanes, with only 4 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes forming. Additionally, no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific basin for the first time since 2017. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific (from 140°W to the International Date Line, north of the equator; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the respective regions. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 2020 by the formation of the season's first system, Tropical Depression One-E, on April 25. This was the earliest formation of a tropical cyclone on record in the eastern Pacific basin proper. The final system of the season was Tropical Storm Polo, which dissipated on November 19.
1 2 Pronostico de Huracanes del 2008(PDF) (Report) (in Spanish). Secretaria de Marina Direccion de Meteorologia Maritima. May 16, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
↑ Staff Writer (July 21, 2008). "July 21, 2008 Weather Bulletin"(PDF) (in Spanish). General Directorate of Merchant Shipping. Archived from the original(PDF) on July 22, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
1 2 Jessica S. Clark; Jamie R. Rhome (December 16, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Genevieve(PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp.1, 2, 4, 5. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
↑ Blake, Eric S (July 7, 2008). Hurricane Boris— June 27– July 4, 2008(PDF) (Tropical Cyclone Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived(PDF) from the original on August 24, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
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