Atlantic hurricane season sets record for lack of activity

The Atlantic hurricane season has reached a significant milestone, with no hurricanes forming in the basin so far in 2026. This marks a new record for the latest start to a hurricane season in the satellite era, which began in 1966.

Typically, hurricane activity peaks between August and October, with a climatological peak around September 10. According to NOAA, an average of three hurricanes have usually formed by this date. The current lack of activity is attributed to a powerful El Nino and frequent rounds of Saharan Dust.

The previous records for the latest first hurricane were held by Gustav in 2002 and Humberto in 2013, both of which reached hurricane status on September 11. While data reanalysis suggests a precedent in 1941, the current season stands as unprecedented since the commencement of satellite observations.