Forecasters are monitoring two tropical systems moving across the Eastern Pacific as potentially dangerous rain, wind and surf approach the general vicinity of Hawaii.
Tropical Depression Norbert and Tropical Depression Fifteen-E were both weakening Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Neither system is currently expected to make a direct strike on Hawaii or the North American coastline.
Norbert could still send tropical moisture toward Hawaii later this week, however, potentially producing heavy rainfall in some locations. Residents and mariners are being urged to continue monitoring forecasts as the system crosses thousands of miles of open water.
The storm was located approximately 1,290 miles east of Hilo on Sunday after weakening from a tropical storm. It was moving west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph at the time.
Norbert has since weakened into a tropical depression, with maximum sustained winds falling to approximately 35 mph. Forecasters expect it to become a remnant area of low pressure before dissipating.
Despite that weakening trend, Norbert’s remaining moisture could reach the vicinity of Hawaii between Thursday and Friday. Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible, while isolated areas could receive between 2 and 3 inches.
An increase in easterly winds and surf is also possible along northeast-facing shores. Heavy rainfall, elevated surf and changing marine conditions can become dangerous even after a tropical cyclone loses its organized circulation.
Farther east, Tropical Depression Fifteen-E formed Sunday roughly 680 miles southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.
The National Hurricane Center reported Tuesday that the depression was centered near latitude 16.1 north and longitude 122.6 west. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was moving west at approximately 10 mph.
Forecasters initially predicted the system could strengthen into Tropical Storm Odalys by early Monday. Dry air disrupted its thunderstorms, however, preventing it from reaching the sustained wind speed of 39 mph required for tropical-storm status.
Fifteen-E is now expected to weaken while continuing westward over the open Pacific. Forecast models indicate it will become a remnant low and dissipate before approaching Hawaii.
“All reliable forecast models have the storm dissipating before it ever comes close to being in the vicinity of Hawaii,” forecasters said, according to Fox Weather.
No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for either depression Tuesday. Neither system currently poses a direct landfall threat, but officials caution that tropical forecasts can change as storms encounter new atmospheric conditions.
Dry air and other hostile conditions are affecting both systems. That air has prevented persistent thunderstorms from organizing around their centers, reducing the likelihood of significant strengthening.
The systems developed during an unusually active Eastern Pacific hurricane season. The basin has already produced 16 named storms, including three that strengthened into major hurricanes.
An average Eastern Pacific season generates approximately 15 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes. The official season runs through Nov. 30, leaving additional time for dangerous systems to develop.
Forecasters are also watching another disturbance well offshore from southwestern Mexico. The system currently has a low probability of developing during the next seven days.
Hawaiians are receiving a reprieve after several tropical systems affected the islands during the 2026 season. Officials nevertheless advise residents to monitor trusted forecasts and remain prepared for sudden changes in rainfall, surf or wind conditions.
The National Hurricane Center will continue tracking both depressions until they dissipate. While the immediate danger appears limited, forecasters warn that weakening tropical systems can still create hazardous conditions far from their centers.
