2026 Atlantic season marks longest delay before first hurricane forms
2026 Atlantic season records longest delay before first hurricane forms since 1950.
Event / Disaster
2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Coverage of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including Hurricane Isaias and other storms, their impacts on the US Gulf Coast, energy markets, and weather patterns.
12 reported locations
Daily activity
18 articles0 articles
2026-09-13 to 2026-10-30 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 13 Sept, 00:30 UTC
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What happened
Tropical Storm Odalys expected to become hurricane by midweek
Tropical Storm Odalys, located farther west in the Pacific Ocean away from land, had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph on Tuesday and was forecast to intensify into a hurricane by midweek.
2026 Atlantic hurricane season sets record for latest first hurricane
No Atlantic hurricanes have formed yet in 2026, setting a record for the longest time into a hurricane season before the first Atlantic hurricane develops. The delayed hurricane formation is attributed to effects of this year's El Niño conditions.
Hurricane Polo reaches Category 5 strength in eastern Pacific off Mexico
Hurricane Polo intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Tuesday in the eastern Pacific Ocean off southwestern Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (257 kph). The storm was centered approximately 360 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Colima state, and was moving east at 6 mph before forecast to sharply turn northwest and west-northwest.
Tropical storm watch issued for southwestern Mexican coast
A tropical storm watch was issued for the Mexican coast from south of Manzanillo in Colima state to Tecpan de Galeana in Guerrero state, indicating tropical storm conditions were possible within two days. Heavy rain with potential for flooding and landslides was forecast for coastal Guerrero and Michoacán states through Thursday, with smaller rainfall amounts expected in coastal Oaxaca, Colima, and Jalisco states.
Tropical Storm Fay weakens in Atlantic Ocean southwest of Azores
Tropical Storm Fay weakened to maximum sustained winds of 40 mph in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of the Azores and was forecast to degenerate into a remnant low by late Tuesday.
Mexican authorities suspend classes and close ports due to Hurricane Polo
Mexican authorities temporarily suspended classes in areas along the coast in response to Hurricane Polo. Mexico's Navy shut down ports in Guerrero and Michoacán states as a precaution and issued warnings to civilians and fishermen. In Acapulco, fishing boats were pulled onshore and beaches were evacuated as the hurricane approached.
Hurricane Polo reaches Category 5 strength with 165 mph winds off Mexico
Hurricane Polo rapidly intensified to Category 5 strength on Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 160-165 mph. The storm was centered approximately 205-220 miles south of Zihuatanejo in Guerrero state and 345-360 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo in Colima state. The National Hurricane Center classified it as an extremely dangerous hurricane capable of strengthening further through Wednesday.
Hurricane Polo forecast to remain offshore but bring tropical storm conditions to coast
The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane Polo will remain offshore but travel northwest along Mexico's southwestern coast over the coming days. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the coast by early Wednesday. Hurricane-force winds extend 35 miles from the storm's eye, while tropical-storm-force winds extend 90 miles. Strong winds and rough surf with possible life-threatening rip currents are also expected.
Atlantic hurricane season sets record for longest start without hurricane formation
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has set a record for the longest period at the start of a season without a hurricane forming. Tropical Depression Fay was the only remaining system in the Atlantic, with maximum sustained winds down to 35 mph and located southwest of the Azores. The effects of El Niño are suppressing storm development.
Hurricane Polo forecast to bring life-threatening flooding to southwestern Mexico
Hurricane Polo is expected to produce 3-8 inches of rainfall in Guerrero and Michoacán states, with up to 12 inches possible in steep terrain areas. The rainfall may cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep topography. The forecast also includes 2-4 inches of rain for coastal portions of Oaxaca, Colima, and Jalisco states.
Tropical Storm Odalys expected to become hurricane
Tropical Storm Odalys was located in the Pacific Ocean far from land with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The National Hurricane Center forecast that Odalys would become a hurricane sometime on Tuesday.
Mexican President Sheinbaum indicates Hurricane Polo unlikely to make landfall
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated in her morning press briefing that experts had indicated the hurricane was not likely to touch land. This assessment was based on forecasts showing the storm would remain offshore despite approaching the southwestern Mexican coast.
Hurricane Lowell causes widespread power outages across Hawaiian islands
Hurricane Lowell struck Hawaii's western islands, causing widespread power outages on the island of Kauai. The community of Hanalei reported 17.76 inches of rain from the storm.
Atlantic hurricane activity at post-1950 record low due to El Niño conditions
Overall hurricane activity in the Atlantic is at a post-1950 record low, measuring only 7% of normal activity for this time of year. El Niño, a natural warming pattern of equatorial Pacific waters, has created conditions that suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic basin.
Colorado State University predicted nine named Atlantic storms for 2026 season
Colorado State University hurricane experts issued their 2026 annual hurricane report predicting that nine named storms would form in the Atlantic basin. Actual activity has significantly underperformed this forecast.
2026 sets record for longest Atlantic hurricane season start without a major storm
As of Saturday in 2026, the Atlantic hurricane season set a record for the longest period since the satellite era began (1950s) without a storm reaching hurricane-force winds of 64 mph (103 kph). Only five relatively weak and brief tropical storms have formed during the 2026 season, which normally peaks between August and October.
Eastern Pacific hurricane activity nearly double normal due to El Niño
Storm activity in the eastern Pacific is nearly double normal for this time of year, with 16 named storms forming and hurricanes lasting much longer than usual. Central Pacific activity is about 40% above normal. El Niño conditions favor tropical cyclone development in the Pacific while suppressing it in the Atlantic.
Record-strong wind shear in Atlantic disrupts tropical cyclone formation
Wind shear in the area between Africa and the Caribbean is approximately 45 mph stronger than what tropical cyclones can withstand, reaching unheard-of levels. This wind shear, a classic El Niño effect, tears storms apart by applying strong easterly winds at low altitudes while westerly winds push from upper altitudes.
World's oceans have experienced record heat for 100 consecutive days
Global ocean temperatures reached record levels, with 100 consecutive days of record-hot waters. Despite these warm conditions that normally fuel hurricane formation, El Niño's other effects have overwhelmed the storm-enhancing impact of warm water.
Hurricane Lala destroys approximately 100 homes on Hawaii's Big Island
In August 2026, Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 hurricane, passed 30 miles off the Big Island's coast, causing widespread power outages and destroying approximately 100 homes. The storm brought torrential rains and wind gusts exceeding 80 mph, though it did not make landfall on the islands.
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2 alternative perspectives
Tropical Storm Odalys expected to intensify into hurricane
Tropical Storm Odalys forecast to intensify into hurricane amid suppressed Atlantic season.
Hurricane Polo intensifies to Category 5 off Mexico's southwestern coast
Category 5 Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico with offshore track and life-threatening coastal impacts.
Oceans hit record heat milestone amid hurricane season shifts
Record ocean heat for 100 consecutive days reshapes hurricane patterns across Atlantic and Pacific basins.
Eastern Pacific hurricane surge batters Hawaii with power outages and destruction
Eastern Pacific hurricanes fueled by El Niño battered Hawaii with outages and home destruction.
Natural factors suppress Atlantic hurricane activity to post-1950 lows
Record wind shear and El Niño conditions have suppressed 2026 Atlantic hurricane activity to historic lows.