In short
- As of 10 September 2026, no hurricane had formed in the Atlantic basin during the season, which reached its average peak date that week.
- The satellite-era record for the latest date without an Atlantic hurricane is 11 September, set in 2002 and again in 2013.
- Five named tropical storms had formed in the Atlantic by 10 September 2026: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly and Edouard.
- The National Hurricane Center forecast in May 2026 between eight and 14 named storms, of which three to six would become hurricanes and one to three would be major hurricanes.
- The eastern Pacific had recorded 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and three major hurricanes, close to a full average season.
No hurricane had formed in the Atlantic basin as of 10 September 2026, the point in the calendar when the season normally peaks. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center see no development in the near term, leaving the satellite-era record for the latest first hurricane under threat.
What record is the Atlantic hurricane season approaching?
The record for the latest date in the satellite era, which begins in the 1960s, without an Atlantic hurricane forming stands at 11 September, set in 2002 and again in 2013. With no development indicated for the coming week, 2026 is likely to pass that mark.
How many storms have formed in the Atlantic this year?
Five named tropical storms have formed in the Atlantic in 2026: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly and Edouard. An average season would have produced eight named tropical storms and three hurricanes by this stage.
Why is the Atlantic so quiet?
El Niño is the main cause. The natural warming of the tropical Pacific increases upper-level winds over the Atlantic, producing more wind shear, where wind changes rapidly with height, and that tears thunderstorms apart before they can grow into tropical storms or hurricanes. Forecasters expect this El Niño to peak in November or December, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has said it will most likely be “historic”, exceeding the strength of previous El Niño events dating back to 1950.
Saharan dust has also suppressed activity. Over the preceding week, winds lifted sand and dust from the Sahara and transported it thousands of miles from Africa; where this dry layer is directed across the Atlantic, it prevents storms from growing. That is expected to keep conditions quieter for at least another week.
What was forecast for the season?
In May, the National Hurricane Center forecast a total of eight to 14 named storms for the Atlantic, of which three to six would become hurricanes and one to three would be major hurricanes. Forecasters attributed the below-average outlook to El Niño. The Atlantic hurricane season runs until 30 November.
How active has the eastern Pacific been?
The eastern Pacific, where El Niño tends to strengthen hurricane activity, has had a fairly active season: 13 named storms including five hurricanes, three of which were major. That is close to the number that would typically develop in a whole average season. The latest major hurricane, Lowell, hit Hawaii with damaging winds, flooding rain and high waves.
Frequently asked questions
Has there been a hurricane in the Atlantic in 2026?
No. As of 10 September 2026, no hurricane had formed in the Atlantic basin, although five named tropical storms had developed: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly and Edouard.
What is the latest date an Atlantic hurricane has formed?
In the satellite era, which begins in the 1960s, the latest date without an Atlantic hurricane is 11 September, set in 2002 and again in 2013.
Why does El Niño reduce Atlantic hurricanes?
El Niño increases upper-level winds over the Atlantic, which raises wind shear and breaks up thunderstorms before they can grow into tropical storms or hurricanes.
When does the Atlantic hurricane season end?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs until 30 November.
With reporting from BBC News.
Stock image, not from the events described. ISS-36 Storm clouds over the Atlantic Ocean — NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)