Super Typhoon Goni smashed into the Philippines late Sunday with one-minute sustained winds to 195 mph and even higher gusts. This makes it not only the strongest tropical cyclone of the year, but ever on record to hit land anywhere in the world. The previous world record holders were Super Typhoons Haiyan and Meranti, both of which also struck the Philippines. Electrical poles are toppled due to strong winds from Typhoon Goni in Daet, Camarines Norte province, central Philippines, Sunday Nov. 1, 2020. (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines via AP) (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)

Such is the case in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, where Tropical Depression One-E formed Saturday morning. While the Eastern Pacific Ocean Basin usually has an earlier start to the official hurricane season than our Atlantic (there’s is May 15 vs our June 1), this is still unusual. While the Pacific may be off to an early start, there are no storms currently brewing in the Atlantic. However, the Atlantic hurricane season forecast from Colorado State University does predict an active season ahead. Heading into the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season, warm ocean surface temperatures in the Atlantic and favorable atmospheric conditions could allow for a busy season.