Could El Niño mean there are no Atlantic hurricanes this year?
Summary
For the first time in over 30 years, no hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic during September, which is usually the busiest month. This quiet season is mainly due to El Niño, a natural warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that disrupts weather patterns and tends to reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic while increasing it in the eastern North Pacific.Key Facts
- No hurricanes formed in the Atlantic during September for the first time since satellite records began in the 1960s.
- El Niño causes stronger upper-level winds over the Atlantic, increasing wind shear that prevents hurricanes from forming.
- In contrast, the eastern North Pacific has been very active this season, with 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes so far.
- The National Hurricane Center predicted 8 to 14 named storms for the Atlantic season but fewer hurricanes than usual because of El Niño.
- Four tropical storms formed in the Atlantic in September but none became hurricanes or hit land significantly.
- The last recorded Atlantic hurricane-free season was in 1914 before satellite monitoring existed, so data is uncertain.
- El Niño is expected to peak in November or December, likely continuing to reduce Atlantic hurricane chances for the rest of the season.
- Storm energy measured in the eastern North Pacific is about 2.5 times the normal level at this point in the year.
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