The official season runs from May 15 through November 30. Storms can occasionally form outside those dates.
When to watch
NHC identifies May 15–November 30 as the official Eastern Pacific season. Season dates are a planning guide, not a guarantee that every day will have activity.
Follow active systems
Use the NHC Eastern Pacific outlook and active storm advisories. A named system may have new advisories several times a day; the issuance time matters more than when you loaded this page.
For coastal communities
People in Mexico, Baja California, and other Pacific-facing areas should also follow national and local weather authorities for warnings and evacuation information.
Frequently asked questions
Does the season start on May 15 every year?
The official Eastern Pacific season starts May 15 each year, but storms can occasionally form before or after the seasonal dates.
Is Polo an Atlantic storm?
No. Its identifier EP172026 places it in the Eastern Pacific basin. The first two letters of NHC identifiers show the basin.
How often should I check an active storm?
Look at the issuance time of the current NHC advisory, especially when a watch or warning affects your area. This site checks its feed every five minutes while open.
Reviewed 2026-09-28. Independent guide; follow NHC and local authorities for safety decisions.