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Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell form in Pacific; Dolly active in Atlantic

The National Hurricane Center reported the formation of Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell in the Pacific, with both expected to become hurricanes.

Published August 27, 2026 at 10:23 AM EDT

The short answer

The National Hurricane Center reported the formation of Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell in the Pacific, with both expected to become hurricanes. Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell formed in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Both storms are currently located far from land, though forecasters anticipate they will strengthen into hurricanes within the next few days.

Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell form in Pacific; Dolly active in Atlantic

The Facts

Who
The National Hurricane Center
What
The formation of Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell in the Pacific and the continued activity of Tropical Storm Dolly in the Atlantic.
When
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Where
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Why
The systems are projected to strengthen into hurricanes in the coming days.

Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell formed in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Both storms are currently located far from land, though forecasters anticipate they will strengthen into hurricanes within the next few days.

In the Atlantic Ocean, a third system named Tropical Storm Dolly is currently active. The simultaneous development of Karina and Lowell follows a period of atmospheric activity in the Pacific region, where environmental conditions allowed both systems to reach tropical storm strength.

The National Hurricane Center, which is responsible for tracking and predicting tropical weather systems, confirmed the formations. The agency has not yet issued any coastal watches or warnings, as the storms are positioned in open water.

Residents in coastal regions of the Pacific and Atlantic do not currently face immediate threats to property or safety, as no land-based warnings are in effect. However, the presence of three active tropical storms—Karina, Lowell, and Dolly—indicates a period of heightened cyclonic activity. Individuals in hurricane-prone areas typically notice such developments through increased local weather briefings and potential adjustments to emergency preparedness plans as paths become clearer.

The knock-on effects of these storms could include changes to regional weather patterns or maritime insurance considerations if the systems move toward established trade routes. At this stage, the primary impact is on meteorological modeling and long-range planning for emergency management agencies. The National Hurricane Center will continue to issue regular advisories; the next significant milestone will be the projected transition of Karina and Lowell to hurricane status, which forecasters expect to occur by early next week.

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Questions readers ask

What happened: Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell form in Pacific; Dolly active in Atlantic?

The formation of Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell in the Pacific and the continued activity of Tropical Storm Dolly in the Atlantic.

Who is involved?

The National Hurricane Center

When did this happen?

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Where did this happen?

Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Why does this matter?

The systems are projected to strengthen into hurricanes in the coming days.