2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Hits Record Quiet Streak
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet, with no hurricanes forming through September 21—a milestone not seen since 1914. By this time in a typical season, the Atlantic would have already produced four hurricanes, with the first usually forming by mid-August. In contrast, the eastern Pacific has experienced an exceptionally active season, with 16 named storms, including six hurricanes and four major hurricanes, by September 26. This stark difference is attributed to a strengthening El Niño, which has increased vertical wind shear in the Atlantic, suppressing hurricane formation, while creating favorable conditions for storm development in the Pacific. NOAA had predicted these patterns earlier in the year, forecasting a below-normal Atlantic season and an above-normal Pacific season.