Atlantic Hurricane Season Shatters 175-Year Record for Latest First Hurricane
A historically quiet 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has broken a 175-year record, with no hurricanes forming as of September 17, attributed to a powerful El Niño.
The Atlantic hurricane season of 2026 has reached an unprecedented milestone, marking the latest point in recorded history without a single hurricane forming. As of September 17, the Atlantic Ocean has seen no tropical cyclones reach hurricane strength, defined as sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. This is the latest into a year that such a record has been set, surpassing the previous latest first hurricane on record, which occurred in 1941.
Weather experts attribute this unusually quiet season largely to the influence of a record-breaking El Niño. This weather phenomenon, which heats up the Pacific Ocean, alters global weather patterns. In the Atlantic, El Niño contributes to cooler ocean temperatures and generates disruptive upper-level winds that inhibit the formation and strengthening of hurricanes.
AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok noted that the atmospheric effects of this strong El Niño could persist beyond its typical duration, potentially influencing the 2027 storm season as well. "We could see effects from this El Niño all the way through 2027," he stated.
The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring one disturbance in the Atlantic with a 40 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the coming week. However, even if this system intensifies, it is not guaranteed to reach hurricane strength.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. While there are still over two months remaining, the current trend suggests that 2026 could become the first year since 1914 without a hurricane in the Atlantic. The only other recorded year without a hurricane was 1907.
On average, by September 16, the Atlantic typically sees its ninth named storm and fourth hurricane. This year, only five named storms have formed: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, and Edouard. Tropical Storm Edouard was the last named storm to make landfall in the U.S., hitting the Gulf Coast on September 1.
AccuWeather has revised its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, now projecting only one to three hurricanes to form by the end of November. Despite the overall quiet season, forecasters emphasize that preparedness remains crucial. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva cautioned, "There is no reason to let your guard down this year. It only takes one storm to cause major damage, disruption and heartache."
The prolonged El Niño is expected to be one of the strongest on record, with sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific projected to rise significantly. This robust El Niño is anticipated to continue impacting weather patterns through late 2027, with implications for future hurricane seasons.