A strong El Niño actually means fewer Atlantic hurricanes, but the Pacific has been extra stormy

The Atlantic Ocean has had an unusually quiet hurricane season this year. Though there have been six named storms, zero have actually strengthened into hurricanes—a rarity that hasn’t occurred in decades. On the other side of the country, though, Hurricane Polo has rapidly intensified, becoming one of the most intense East Pacific hurricanes on record. These weather anomalies may seem at odds, but they’re both impacted by the “Godzilla” Super El Niño that experts say is shaping up to be on...