Real-time coverage of tropicalCyclones event — LOWELL-26 — Pandita Data.
🌀 OPEN LIVE 3D WEATHER ALERTSTropical Cyclone Lowell intensified to Category 4 strength near 13.5°N, 150.7°W on August 27, 2026, posing extreme storm surge and 215+ km/h wind risk to Pacific island communities and shipping lanes. The cyclone's rapid deepening over anomalously warm ocean waters threatens populations across the central Pacific with 48–72 hours of preparation time before potential landfall or closest approach.
Island nations and territories including Hawaii remain under heightened alert for tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal waves. Swells generated by Lowell are already impacting shorelines 1,500+ km away, creating hazardous conditions for mariners and beach users.
Tropical cyclones form when warm ocean water (≥26.5°C) fuels atmospheric convection over deep, low-wind-shear environments. Lowell's intensification reflects Sea Surface Temperatures in the central Pacific currently 0.8–1.2°C above long-term August average—driven by reduced equatorial upwelling and residual marine heat waves. The Coriolis effect at 13.5°N allows the storm to organize into a tight pressure gradient (minimum central pressure ~920 mb estimated), spinning counterclockwise and generating explosive updrafts.
Real-time NOAA GOES-17 satellite imagery resolves Lowell's eye structure and convective bands at 0.5 km resolution every 15 minutes, while microwave sounders (AMSU, MHS) penetrate clouds to measure core temperature and intensity. Pandita's 3D cyclone simulation integrates NOAA/NHC track forecasts, atmospheric pressure profiles, and sea-surface temperature data to visualize storm evolution and wind-speed distribution over 120-hour windows.
August cyclones in this region average 18–22 mph westward motion; Lowell tracking WNW at 14 mph. Typical Category 4 storms produce 3–5 m storm surge over shallow Pacific atolls, rainfall totals 300–500 mm, and power outages spanning weeks. Eye diameter: ~30 km; outer wind field: ~350 km.
Watch Lowell's evolution in real time via Pandita Data's 3D cyclone tracker, updated hourly with NOAA satellite and model data.
FAQ::[{"q":"What is causing this tropical cyclone's rapid intensification?","a":"Sea surface temperatures 0.8–1.2°C above normal (29–30°C) over weak wind shear enable explosive convection and pressure deepening to Category 4."},{"q":"What are the greatest hazards from Tropical Cyclone Lowell?","a":"Storm surge 2–5 m over atolls, winds 215+ km/h, and rainfall 300–500 mm threaten infrastructure, power grids, and life safety within 300 km radius."},{"q":"What precautions should Pacific island residents take immediately?","a":"Evacuate to high-ground shelters (>15 m elevation), secure loose items, monitor NHC/NOAA alerts every 6 hours, and remain