Forecasters say it looks like the El Nino weather phenomenon is about to form in the Pacific Ocean, which could curb hurricanes in the Atlantic — just as storm season reaches its most active period.According to the US Climate Prediction Center, the number of warm spots across the central Pacific has increased, leading climatologists to believe El Nino could form sometime between now and September.“Overall, the forecaster consensus reflects increased chances for El Nino,” the centre said in a statement.The centre’s monthly report is the strongest prediction yet about when the phenomenon could emerge.An El Nino watch posted last month was continued.El Nino is a warming of sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific that occurs every four to 12 years, and lasts about 12 months wreaking havoc and affecting crops from Asia to the Americas.The phenomenon increases Atlantic wind shear that can keep tropical systems from forming, decreasing the total number of storms during the June 1 to November 20 season, which peaks from August 20 to October 20.It is also known to bring mild winters across the northern US and western Canada as well as more rain to the US South.The pattern could trigger severe winter storms this year particularly in California and other Western US states.