El Niño Keeps Atlantic Quiet, Produces Record-Late Start to 2026 Hurricane Season

As of Sept. 12, 2026, no Atlantic hurricane has formed—the latest date on record for a season without a hurricane—thanks to strong El Niño–driven wind shear, Saharan dust, and dry air that have sharply suppressed tropical activity. Only five tropical storms have formed so far, and the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) through Sept. 10 stands at 4.4, the lowest since 1950 for that date. Forecasters caution that the lull could still end, as late-start seasons have produced major hurricanes in the past; forecasts had predicted this season would be limited in activity due to El Niño.