Atlantic Ocean Sets 60-Year Record with No Hurricanes Since June

Atlantic hurricane season hits record low. No storms since June 1, breaking 60-year mark. El Niño impacts forecast.

September 15, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — The Atlantic hurricane season has seen an unprecedented lull, with no hurricanes forming in the basin since the 2026 season began on June 1. This marks the longest stretch without a hurricane since at least 1966, according to NOAA data.

The current pause is unusual, as most seasons typically see their first named storm by early June and a hurricane by mid-August. However, the absence of any tropical storms or hurricanes as of September 15 has broken records and raised questions about the factors influencing this year’s activity.

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Experts attribute the slowdown to a strong El Niño event, which is known to suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic. NOAA had previously predicted below-normal activity for the 2026 season, expecting between seven and 13 named storms, with two to six hurricanes. So far, five tropical storms have developed, but none have reached hurricane strength.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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