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Fay Forms, El Niño Suppresses Atlantic Storms
20 Sep
Summary
- Tropical Storm Fay formed in the Atlantic, posing no immediate threat.
- El Niño conditions are limiting Atlantic hurricane development this year.
- Pacific storm Odalys is predicted to become a hurricane soon.
Tropical Storm Fay has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, but current conditions indicate it poses little risk to life or property. The storm's winds are around 45 mph, and it is moving slowly northeastward, approximately 450 miles southwest of the Azores. Fay is the sixth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially continues until November 30.
This year's Atlantic hurricane season has seen no hurricane landfalls on the Atlantic coast, a trend attributed to the ongoing El Niño weather pattern. High-elevation winds, influenced by warmer Pacific waters, are crossing the United States and interfering with Atlantic hurricane development, according to NOAA. This same El Niño phenomenon can, however, strengthen hurricanes in the Pacific.
Separately, Tropical Storm Odalys is developing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. It is currently forecast to reach hurricane strength on September 21. While Odalys is also not an immediate threat, its trajectory is being closely monitored. Fay, conversely, is expected to become a remnant low and dissipate by the end of the week due to unfavorable environmental conditions.
