Rare Atlantic Lull Puzzles Meteorologists Ahead of Hurricane Season Peak

As of September 9th, 2025, the Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing an unprecedented lull in tropical activity. Typically, this time of year is marked by tumultuous weather, with tropical waves and storms bristling with potential. However, the main runway for storm activity between Africa and the Caribbean has remained docile and serene.

Forecasters are baffled by the lack of hurricanes and tropical storms. According to Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist at Colorado State University, this is only the second time since 1950 that there have been no named storms in the Atlantic between August 29th and September 15th. The last time this occurred was in 1992, just after the devastating Category 5 Hurricane Andrew.

Meteorologists had expected an uptick in activity during the second week of September, as the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a climate pattern that can influence tropical cyclone formation, moved into a favorable position. But so far, it has proved ineffective in stoking potential trouble.

Experts point to unusual weather patterns, including a deep dive in the jet stream across the eastern United States, as the culprit. This "semi-permanent" feature is emboldening high pressure in the Atlantic, which typically means sinking air, cloudless skies, drier air, and a stable atmosphere – the opposite of the ingredients needed to grow a hurricane.