Atlantic Hurricane Season Hits Record Quiet Levels
Atlantic Hurricane Season Hits Record Quiet Levels
US · Published Sep 30, 2026
• The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is on track to be the quietest since reliable records began in
• As of late September, only eight named storms have formed, with no hurricanes recorded. This is unprecedented, as an average season by this time typically sees 10 named storms, 5 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Tropical Storm Hanna, the eighth named storm, formed on Monday and currently has sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h). It poses no threat to land and is expected to dissipate by the end of the week. Experts attribute this unusual calm to a strengthening super El Niño in the eastern Pacific, which has increased wind shear in the Atlantic basin, disrupting storm formation despite warm sea surface temperatures. Additionally, fewer tropical waves from Africa have reduced storm development opportunities.

Impact & Risks

The lack of hurricanes this season has minimized risks to coastal regions in the Atlantic basin, sparing communities from the usual threats of flooding, high winds, and storm surges. However, the reduced number of tropical waves from Africa has contributed to severe drought conditions in parts of the continent. While the quiet season is beneficial for Atlantic coastal areas, the active eastern Pacific hurricane season has seen significant storm activity, which may pose risks to regions in that basin.

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