The spike in cyclone activity across the Pacific Ocean is tied to well above-average ocean temperatures across the tropical Pacific, which are in turn associated with a still developing, significant El Niño. Water temperatures are 2 to 3.5°F (1 to 2°C) above normal. Combined with an atmospheric environment conducive for hurricane development, the central and eastern Pacific have been primed for an active year. And there’s plenty of time left for more storms as we move into September.