In brief
For the first time in over 30 years, no Atlantic hurricanes have formed in September, despite it being the peak month. The 2026 season is now the only satellite‑era year without a single hurricane. A vigorous El Niño is stifling Atlantic development while boosting Pacific activity. The National Hurricane Center forecasts only 3–6 hurricanes this season, far below normal. Forecasts suggest the Atlantic may stay quiet for the rest of the season, making a hurricane‑free Atlantic increasingly likely.
For the first time in more than 30 years, a hurricane has not formed in the Atlantic throughout September – normally the most active month for hurricane activity.
This quiet season continues, and with just two months left there is a growing possibility that no hurricanes will develop at all.
That would make the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season the only one in the satellite era without a hurricane.
The main factor behind the lull is a strong El Niño, which normally suppresses Atlantic activity and instead fuels a very active Pacific season.
Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center predicted 8 to 14 named storms this year, with 3 to 6 becoming hurricanes and 1 to 3 reaching major status – all lower than normal.
September is usually the peak month, but this year marks the latest date on record since the satellite era that the North Atlantic has seen no hurricanes.
The lack of activity is linked to increased wind shear over the Atlantic caused by upper‑level winds, which tear apart developing storms.
Meanwhile, the Pacific warm waters are feeding 17 named storms, nine of them hurricanes, boosting the season’s Accumulated Cyclone Energy to two‑and‑a‑half times the norm.
If El Niño continues to strengthen, the Atlantic may stay quiet until the season’s final stretch, making a hurricane‑free Atlantic a real possibility.
