Where have all the Atlantic hurricanes gone? El Nino might bring record slow storm season

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet, with no hurricanes forming as of late July, according to the National Hurricane Center. This is the earliest in the season that this has occurred since satellite monitoring began. Only five weak tropical storms have formed, setting a record for the longest period without a hurricane.

Meteorologists attribute this to the powerful El Nino that is currently affecting the region. El Nino, a natural warming of the equatorial Pacific, creates strong winds and dry air that tear apart developing storms. Wind shear, which can exceed 45 mph, is at record levels, preventing storms from forming. Additionally, high pressure and cooler surface waters are hindering storm development.

While the Atlantic has been unusually calm, it is important to remain vigilant, as even one storm during an El Nino year can be devastating. Forecasters expect the hurricane season to pick up after the current El Nino subsides, with the Pacific seeing heightened activity.