Atlantic hurricane season sets satellite-era record for latest first hurricane
The 2026 Atlantic season reached Sept. 12 without a hurricane, the latest start in the satellite era, according to a federal meteorologist.
Five relatively weak tropical storms had formed, but none reached hurricane strength by Sept. 12. Forecasters attributed the unusually quiet season largely to El Niño conditions that suppress storm development.
Experts cautioned that a quiet start does not eliminate the risk of a destructive hurricane later in the season.