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For the first time, no hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic this season so far

El Niño has stymied storm formation even more than forecasters expected

For the first time in a modern era of hurricane tracking, no hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic Ocean this season as of September. Meteorologists attribute this unprecedented occurrence to an exceptionally strong El Niño event that has caused a significant drop in Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. September is typically the peak month for hurricane formation in the Atlantic, but the strong El Niño has kept wind shear levels high, which inhibits cyclone development.

While a tropical depression named Fay briefly approached hurricane status, it remains uncertain if it will be officially classified as a hurricane, as the current measurement method may overestimate wind speeds. If Fay is confirmed as a hurricane, it would still set a record for the latest hurricane formation in the Atlantic. This season is unlike any other in recent memory, and meteorologists are relieved that it may continue without any hurricanes through the remainder of the year, providing a respite from the destructive impacts of recent hurricane seasons.

Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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