The Atlantic Ocean recorded no hurricane formations during the month of September 2026, the first such occurrence in 32 years. According to Colorado State University hurricane expert Dr. Phil Klotzbach, the last time the Atlantic went without a hurricane in September was 1994, with previous instances occurring in 1972 and 1962. While three tropical storms formed last month, none reached the 74-mph wind threshold required for hurricane status.
Meteorologists attribute the lack of activity to a strong El Niño, a phenomenon characterized by the warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Dr. Klotzbach reported that this El Niño has produced record-strong vertical wind shear since this summer across parts of the Atlantic's main development region. This wind shear—changes in wind speed and direction at different altitudes—can disrupt tropical systems, preventing them from intensifying into hurricanes.
Despite the lack of Atlantic hurricanes, the 2026 season has seen eight named tropical storms. Tropical Storm Fay came closest to hurricane strength, falling 4 mph short of the requirement. Conversely, the El Niño conditions have led to high activity in the eastern and central Pacific, which have seen 20 named storms and three Category 5 hurricanes this year. Hawaii and Mexico have both been impacted by these systems, including Hurricane Polo, which reached 180-mph winds in September.
For residents in hurricane-prone regions, the current atmospheric conditions mean a shift in the type of weather threats they face. While wind damage has been minimal in the Atlantic basin, increased moisture in tropical systems means that even weak storms can result in significant property damage and life-threatening conditions from inland flooding. In the Pacific, the impact is reversed; residents of Hawaii and the Mexican coast are dealing with a hyperactive season, including Category 5 hurricanes and heavy rain from storms such as Lala, Lowell, and Nolo.
The 2026 Atlantic season continues through November 30, and the possibility of a year with zero hurricanes remains. Modern records since 1950 show no full season without at least one hurricane, though the years 1982 and 2013 each recorded only two. According to NOAA, October typically produces one hurricane on average. While the Caribbean is expected to remain unsuitable for development due to wind shear, late-season storms often form closer to the U.S. mainland in the Gulf of Mexico or off the Southeast coast. The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor these areas for development through the end of the official season.