Meteorological activity surged in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as forecasters tracked three newly formed tropical systems. The National Hurricane Center announced the formation of Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell in the Pacific, while Tropical Storm Dolly developed in the Atlantic Ocean far from land.
In the Pacific, both Karina and Lowell are projected to strengthen into hurricanes over the coming days. As of Thursday, Tropical Storm Karina was centered approximately 825 miles (1,330 kilometers) south of the southern tip of Baja California, packing maximum sustained winds of roughly 45 mph (75 kph). Although no coastal watches or warnings have been issued, the Miami-based hurricane center warned that swells generated by Karina could create life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along parts of southwestern Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula starting this weekend.
Further out in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Lowell was located about 1,765 miles (2,840 kilometers) west-southwest of Baja California's southern tip. Lowell was carrying maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph (65 kph). Like Karina, Lowell has not triggered any immediate coastal watches or warnings.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Dolly formed earlier on Thursday and is heading westward. Located about 1,555 miles (2,500 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands, Dolly registered maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (64 kph). Forecasters at the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami indicated that while no coastal watches or warnings are currently active, the storm could bring heavy rainfall to portions of the Caribbean. Specifically, the Leeward Islands may experience heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, while the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola could see heavy downpours on Sunday and Monday. Though forecasters expect little change in Dolly's overall strength in the near future, they cautioned that flash flooding remains a risk.
Dolly marks the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters clarified that the storm's name has no connection to the death of legendary singer Dolly Parton on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, which prompted fans to leave flowers, notes, and photos on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The naming of such systems follows strict protocols established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Storm names are selected to be short, easy to pronounce, and familiar to the respective regions to ensure clear communication of warnings and prevent public confusion. The WMO reuses these lists of names every six years, maintaining an alphabetical list that alternates between male and female names for the Atlantic region. The organization meets regularly to evaluate these names, occasionally retiring those associated with highly destructive or deadly storms out of sensitivity. For example, the name Melissa was retired from the 2025 roster after it developed into a devastating Category 5 hurricane that ravaged the Caribbean.
Prior to Dolly's formation, the 2026 Atlantic season began in June when Tropical Storm Arthur made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast. In July, Tropical Storm Bertha brought heavy rainfall to Texas and Louisiana, which was followed in early August by the brief formation and subsequent dissipation of Tropical Storm Cristobal.
Despite the recent activity, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a below-average Atlantic hurricane season, attributing the suppressed activity to the influence of El Niño. NOAA's seasonal outlook projects between eight and 14 named storms, with three to six expected to reach hurricane strength, and one to three of those potentially intensifying into major hurricanes.
