El Niño creates record-low Atlantic hurricane season
Summary
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is unusually quiet due to a strong El Niño, which creates harsh conditions that prevent storms from developing. So far, no hurricanes have formed, and hurricane activity is at a record low for this time of year, despite normally warm ocean water.Key Facts
- No Atlantic hurricanes have formed yet in 2026, which is record late for the satellite era.
- Only five weak and short-lived tropical storms have appeared this season.
- Hurricane season usually runs from June to November, with peak activity between August and October.
- El Niño is a natural warming of the Pacific Ocean that changes global weather patterns and is causing strong winds and dry air in the Atlantic that stop storms.
- Strong wind shear, caused by El Niño, tears storms apart before they can grow, especially between Africa and the Caribbean.
- Other factors like dry air, African dust, and downward air pressure make the Atlantic environment hostile to hurricanes.
- Despite the oceans being very warm for a long period, atmospheric changes from El Niño are stronger and prevent storms from forming.
- Experts warn that while the season is quiet now, storms can still develop later, especially in the Gulf of Mexico.
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