Where have all the Atlantic hurricanes gone? El Nino’s might brings record slow storm season

The Atlantic hurricane season has been record quiet this year, thanks to a strong El Nino that is wiping out potential storms before they can form. No Atlantic hurricanes have formed yet this year, and none are expected to form for at least another week, despite this typically being the peak of the season. Only five relatively weak and short-lived tropical storms have formed so far this season.

Experts attribute this record low activity to the enormous El Nino, which is crushing storms before they can get going. The El Nino causes strong easterly winds at low levels and strong westerly winds at upper altitudes, which tear apart any forming tropical cyclones. Additionally, the El Nino brings record-strong wind shear and dry air, which starve storms of the moisture they need to form and strengthen.

Despite the warm waters typically providing fuel for hurricanes, the Atlantic waters are lagging behind the atmosphere in feeling the El Nino effect. This temperature difference, rather than the warm water temperature itself, is what matters more for hurricane activity. As the El Nino eases next season, the warm Atlantic waters will increase the likelihood of a busy hurricane season.