Nashville, TN, September 12, 2026 — The Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing a period of historical calmness, marked by a lack of hurricane formation and only a few instances of weak tropical storms.

Experts in meteorology are attributing this unusually quiet season to the significant presence of a strong El Nino phenomenon. This climate pattern is actively shaping atmospheric conditions across the Atlantic basin, creating an environment that is largely unfavorable for the development and intensification of tropical cyclones.

Specifically, the El Nino is generating atmospheric conditions that include intense wind shear. Wind shear refers to changes in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere. High wind shear can disrupt the organized structure of a developing storm, tearing it apart before it can become a significant threat.

Additionally, the El Nino is associated with increased levels of dry air in the region. Dry air acts as another impediment to storm formation, as tropical cyclones require moist air to fuel their development and sustain their structure. When dry air intrudes into a developing storm system, it can weaken or dissipate the storm.

These combined factors—strong wind shear and dry air—are actively suppressing the typical storm development that often characterizes the Atlantic hurricane season. The absence of major storm activity has led to a historically calm period, contrasting with years that frequently see numerous hurricanes and tropical storms making landfall.


Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.newschannel5.com, see more information here.

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