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Record Calm: Hurricane Season Unusually Quiet
12 Sep
Summary
- Atlantic hurricane season is unusually quiet with no storms forming.
- El Niño conditions are a primary driver for reduced hurricane activity.
- Hurricanes are vital for North Carolina's annual rainfall totals.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is currently experiencing an unprecedented quiet period. As of September 12, 2026, not a single hurricane has formed, a historic anomaly. Five tropical storms have occurred, but none have strengthened into hurricanes.
Forecasters predict a below-normal season with seven to 13 named storms. This unusual lack of activity is primarily due to a strong El Niño, which creates disruptive wind shear in the Atlantic basin. Meteorologists do not anticipate a significant change in this pattern through the end of September.
While the absence of hurricanes might seem like welcome news, experts emphasize the importance of these storms for regional rainfall. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and their remnants contribute a substantial portion of the annual precipitation in areas like North Carolina. Even a single storm can cause significant damage and fatalities, often due to freshwater flooding from heavy rains, not just storm surge.
Historically, only two years have recorded no hurricanes: 1907 and 1914. However, forecasters caution that the season is only at its midpoint, and even one hurricane can have devastating consequences. The National Weather Service also highlights the dangers of driving through flooded roadways days after a storm has passed, as freshwater drowning remains a significant risk.
