El Niño Suppresses Atlantic Hurricanes, Forecast Updated
El Niño Suppresses Atlantic Hurricanes, Forecast Updated
US · Published Sep 18, 2026
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably subdued due to the persistent influence of El Niño, which has created unfavorable conditions for storm development. AccuWeather meteorologists have revised their forecast, now predicting 1-3 hurricanes for the season, with one or two potentially reaching major hurricane status (winds of at least 111 mph). While no hurricanes have formed so far, the season's second half remains, and tropical activity could still emerge in areas such as the Gulf of Mexico and near Bermuda. Two systems are currently being monitored: one near Bermuda with a medium chance of development and another east of Florida that may evolve into a tropical depression or storm by the weekend. The next named storm, if it forms, will be called Fay. Hurricane season officially ends on November
Source time: Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT.

Impact & Risks

The suppressed hurricane activity has reduced immediate risks for coastal areas in the Atlantic basin, but localized impacts from tropical systems remain possible. Florida may experience enhanced showers and thunderstorms as a disorganized storm moves westward into the Gulf. Additionally, areas near Bermuda could see tropical development, potentially leading to heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Looking ahead, regions from the Bahamas to the northwestern Caribbean may face rounds of drenching downpours and thunderstorms, with conditions potentially favorable for tropical development later in September and October.

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