AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting a more active-than-normal season for the Central Pacific

AccuWeather meteorologists are also predicting a more active-than-normal season for the Central Pacific, once again putting Hawaii on alert for potential impacts.

“The onset of an El Niño typically increases the total number of storms and hurricanes in the basin,” said Kottlowski.

This increase in tropical cyclone activity will increase the chances for a Hawaii impact.

“The most worrisome track for an impact on Hawaii is from the south,” said Kottlowski.

Satellite image of Hurricane Lane from August 21, 2018. (Image/NOAA)

Only four hurricanes have taken this track into Hawaii and brought significant impacts since 1950, but Hurricane Lane did so just last year.

The combination of a more active season and warmer-than-normal ocean water south of Hawaii could set the stage for a tropical system to approach from the south this season.

The most likely time of the year for an impact on Hawaii will be from July into early October.