Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Hit 100-Year Milestone Under El Niño
Summary
The Atlantic hurricane season may have no hurricanes this year for the first time in over 100 years if none form before it ends. This rare event is linked to a strong El Niño, a climate pattern that usually reduces hurricanes in the Atlantic by creating disruptive winds.Key Facts
- El Niño is a warm phase in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather worldwide, including the Atlantic hurricane season.
- El Niño typically causes fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic but more in the eastern and central Pacific.
- As of September 10, no hurricanes had formed in the Atlantic, which is unusual since September is the peak month for hurricanes there.
- Only two previous Atlantic seasons (1907 and 1914) had no hurricanes, and those happened before satellites helped track storms.
- Five named storms have formed so far this year but none became hurricanes due to strong wind shear, dry air, and Saharan dust.
- Wind shear means strong upper-level winds that tear apart storms and prevent them from strengthening.
- Even without hurricanes, tropical storms can still cause flooding, strong winds, and dangerous surf.
- The season ends on November 30, and historically about 24% of hurricanes form after September, but only 19% do in El Niño years.
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