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. The eerily quiet season continues, and with just two months left, there is an increasing possibility that no hurricanes will develop at all. This would make the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season the only one in the satellite era without a hurricane.

The Role of El Niño

The biggest reason for this unusual phenomenon is El Niño, which traditionally stifles activity in the Atlantic but brings a very active season in the eastern North Pacific. The Atlantic hurricane season was predicted to be quieter than normal as a result of this. With a very strong El Niño forecast, the US National Hurricane Center in May predicted a total of eight to 14 named storms. Of those, three to six were predicted to become hurricanes, with one to three becoming major hurricanes.

Record-Breaking Quiet

September is typically the most active month for tropical storm and hurricane activity. However, this year marks the latest date on record since the start of the satellite era (1960s onward) where no hurricane has formed in the North Atlantic. While there have been no hurricanes forming in the North Atlantic so far this season, the Eastern North Pacific has been very active with above-average storms.

There were, however, four named tropical storms which formed in September: Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, and Hanna. All but Edouard stayed out in the open waters of the Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center suggests there is no sign of any tropical storm activity or hurricane over the next week at least.