Atlantic Hurricane Season Nears Record as El Niño Keeps Storms at Bay
Summary
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is close to setting a record for the latest start of its first hurricane, with no hurricanes formed yet as it nears the usual peak time. Experts say the season has fewer storms and weaker conditions partly because of wind patterns and dry air, which are linked to the ongoing El Niño weather pattern.Key Facts
- No hurricanes have formed yet in the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, approaching the latest start date on record (September 11).
- Five named tropical storms have occurred, but none strengthened into hurricanes.
- The season has fewer named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes compared to the average from 1991 to 2020.
- Wind shear (strong winds at different heights) and dry air from Saharan dust have made hurricane formation harder.
- El Niño, a natural climate pattern with warmer Pacific waters, tends to reduce hurricanes in the Atlantic by increasing wind shear.
- The last seasons with no hurricanes before satellite records were in 1907 and 1914, over 100 years ago.
- Forecasters are watching an area near the southeastern U.S. with low chances of developing storms soon.
- The National Hurricane Center does not expect any new tropical cyclones in the next seven days.
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