Atlantic hurricane season sets record for lack of hurricane activity

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has set a new record for the longest period without a hurricane since the satellite era began in 1966. As of mid-September, the basin has seen zero hurricanes, surpassing the previous benchmarks set in 2002 and 2013, when the first hurricanes formed on September 11.

Meteorologists attribute this unprecedented quiet to a powerful El Niño pattern. This phenomenon is creating high wind shear, which disrupts the organization of tropical systems, alongside dry air and atmospheric stability that prevent storms from intensifying. While five named tropical storms—Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, and Edouard—have developed, none have reached hurricane strength.

According to Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University, overall Atlantic activity is at its lowest level since 1950, with accumulated cyclone energy at just 7% of the seasonal average. Despite the lull, experts warn against complacency, noting that even in quiet years, single storms can cause catastrophic damage, citing the 1992 season as a historical precedent.