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Atlantic Hurricane Season Stuns with Record-Breaking Calm
12 Sep
Summary
- No hurricane has formed in the Atlantic Ocean as of September 12.
- El Niño and Saharan dust are contributing to unprecedented storm suppression.
- A late start does not preclude dangerous storms later in the season.
As of September 12, 2026, the Atlantic Ocean has experienced an unprecedented lack of hurricane formation, marking a new record for the latest date in the modern era without a single hurricane. This unusual quiet is primarily driven by a strong El Niño and the presence of Saharan dust, which collectively suppress storm development. The Atlantic basin has seen only five tropical storms this season, significantly below the typical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes by this date.
This record-breaking calm is a direct result of atmospheric conditions, including extreme vertical wind shear over the western tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, exacerbated by El Niño. Scientists note that the wind shear this summer has shattered previous records since the global satellite era began in 1979. While the season is unusually inactive, experts warn that a slow start does not guarantee a mild finish, as impactful storms have occurred in past seasons that began late.
