No hurricane through mid-September for first time since 1941

The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season has reached an extraordinary historic milestone of not producing a single hurricane midway through September in the Caribbean Basin.

This is something not seen this late in the season since 1941. The unusual calm comes during what is normally the busiest period of the Atlantic hurricane season. September 10 is generally regarded as the climatological peak, yet this year the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf have remained remarkably subdued. 

The National Hurricane Centre’s 2026 season records five named tropical storms — Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly and Edouard — that formed through September 13. None reached hurricane strength. This makes 2026 the latest Atlantic season without a hurricane in the modern satellite era.

Remarkable statistics

For now, though, the statistic is remarkable: the Atlantic has reached mid-September 2026 without a hurricane — an occurrence not seen in 85 years. Historical records show that the basin has not gone this deep into the season without one since 1941. 

Meteorologists point largely to a strengthening El Niño pattern. El Niño can produce stronger upper-level winds across the tropical Atlantic, creating wind shear that disrupts developing tropical systems before they can organise and intensify.  Dry air and atmospheric sinking motion have also contributed to the unusually hostile environment for hurricane development this year. 

For Caribbean residents, the quiet season thus far is welcome news, with meteorologists cautioning that it is not a signal to relax hurricane preparations. The Atlantic hurricane season officially continues until November 30, and history has repeatedly shown that significant tropical systems can develop late in the season, particularly across the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic. 

So while the Caribbean can be thankful for an exceptionally calm first half of September, residents should continue monitoring official weather information and keeping emergency plans ready.