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9h ago

Atlantic Sets Satellite‑Era Record with No Hurricane by Mid‑September

A powerful El Niño has driven unusually strong upper‑level wind shear that has prevented storms from strengthening in the tropical Atlantic.

FILE - Connor Hughes and Kaylee Swenson walk through floodwaters from the Alafia River caused by Hurricane Milton, Oct. 11, 2024, in Lithia, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
FILE - Boats sit on dry ground as water levels have dropped on the Danube River in Petrovaradin, Serbia, Aug. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)
FILE - Waves roll in from the Gulf of Mexico toward lots where only empty foundations and debris remain after homes were swept away in Hurricane Milton on Manasota Key in Englewood, Fla., Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
El Niño is creating more widespread wind shear across the Atlantic that inhibits tropical formation. (WPEC)

Overview

  • The National Hurricane Center confirmed on Sept. 11 that the Atlantic had passed the satellite‑era record for the latest first hurricane of the season with no storms reaching 74 mph.
  • Storm energy this year is at post‑1950 lows, with Accumulated Cyclone Energy around 4.4 and only five short‑lived named storms recorded so far.
  • Researchers say a very strong El Niño has produced record high vertical wind shear over the main development region, which tears apart developing systems before they can intensify.
  • Saharan dust, dry air and persistent high pressure have compounded El Niño’s effect, even as the eastern and central Pacific run well above normal activity.
  • Forecasters stress that a late or quiet start does not remove risk, noting the Gulf of Mexico and near‑U.S. waters remain areas to watch and urging preparedness through Nov. 30.