For the first time in more than 30 years, no hurricane has formed in the Atlantic throughout September, which is typically the most active month for hurricane activity. This marks the latest date on record since the satellite era began in the 1960s without a North Atlantic hurricane.
The unusually quiet season continues, and with only two months remaining, there is an increasing possibility that no hurricanes will develop at all. If this occurs, the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season would be the only one in the satellite era without a hurricane.
The primary reason for this subdued activity is El Niño, which traditionally suppresses hurricane formation in the Atlantic. El Niño causes upper winds over the Atlantic to increase, leading to more wind shear that can disrupt thunderstorms and prevent them from developing into tropical storms or hurricanes.
Forecasters at the US National Hurricane Center had predicted a quieter-than-normal Atlantic season in May, anticipating eight to 14 named storms, with three to six becoming hurricanes. While four named tropical storms – Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, and Hanna – did form in September, none reached hurricane strength.
The National Hurricane Center currently indicates no signs of tropical storm or hurricane activity for at least the next week. Colorado State University forecasters also suggest that the strong El Niño is likely to disrupt wind patterns, resulting in below-normal activity over the next two weeks. With the typical peak of the season now passed, a season without a single hurricane is looking increasingly possible.