El Nino Suppresses Atlantic Hurricanes in 2026
El Nino Suppresses Atlantic Hurricanes in 2026
US · Published Sep 23, 2026
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet, with only six tropical storms forming as of September 23, none of which have intensified into hurricanes, according to NOAA (DW, 2026). This marks the first time since satellite tracking began in 1966 that no hurricanes have been recorded this late in the season. The ongoing El Nino event, characterized by warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures and increased wind shear, is a major factor in suppressing hurricane activity in the Atlantic. Meteorologists warn that while the season has been calm so far, a major hurricane could still form before the season ends on November
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Impact & Risks

The lack of hurricanes in the Atlantic has reduced immediate risks to coastal communities, but the ongoing El Nino event is causing extreme weather elsewhere. In the Pacific, warmer waters and reduced wind shear have led to an active hurricane season, including Category 4 Hurricane Polo. Meanwhile, El Nino's global impacts, such as droughts, floods, and extreme heat, are expected to intensify in the coming months, potentially leading to significant disruptions worldwide.