AI Generated Image
It's hurricane season. So where are the Atlantic hurricanes?
The Weather Channel • • nation
Key Points:
- The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing its least active start in nearly 40 years, with only three tropical storms occurring and minimal storm duration and impact so far.
- Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) metrics show this season as the slowest starting since 1988, and if no new storms form by early September, it could be the slowest start in the satellite era since 1966.
- The intensifying El Niño phenomenon is a major factor suppressing storm development by increasing wind shear in the Atlantic, which disrupts storm formation and weakens existing storms.
- Despite the slow start, historical precedent such as the 2022 hurricane season shows that significant storm activity can still occur later in the season, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.
- Residents are advised to maintain hurricane preparedness plans throughout the season, as even a single storm or tropical depression can cause severe damage if conditions become favorable near land.
