Longest hurricane-free period in the Atlantic in 60 years

It is noteworthy that no hurricanes have formed so far during the hurricane season that started on June 1 in the Atlantic Ocean. While hurricane activity is expected to increase during this period under normal circumstances, the silence in the Atlantic continues to extend in 2026.

LONGEST HURACINE-FREE PERIOD IN 60 YEARS

The extended silence was recorded as the longest hurricane-free period in the Atlantic since 1966. Although a significant part of the hurricane season has passed, the fact that no hurricane has yet formed reveals an extraordinary picture that distinguishes this year from previous periods.

EL NIÑO AFFECTS HURRICAN FORMATION

Among the reasons for the silence in the Atlantic are El Niño conditions, which occur when sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rise. This can lead to strong winds in the Atlantic that make it difficult for hurricanes to develop.

DRY AIR FROM THE SAHRA IS EFFECTIVE

Moist air plays an important role in strengthening hurricanes. The dry air seen with the dust carried from the Sahara Desert in Africa to the Atlantic causes a decrease in the moisture needed by tropical systems. This situation can make it difficult for the systems to be strengthened.

CONDITIONS IN THE ATMOSPHERE HAVE ALSO CHANGED

More stable atmospheric conditions in the Atlantic are also among the factors affecting hurricane formation. This situation, which makes it difficult for the air to rise and move vertically, can make it difficult for tropical systems to develop into hurricanes.

HURRICAN SEASON IS NOT OVER YET

Hurricane season in the United States covers the period from June 1 to November 30. Therefore, the silence in the Atlantic does not yet mean that the entire season will be hurricane-free. There is a possibility of hurricane formation later in the year as atmospheric and sea conditions change.

HURRICAN-FREE SEASONS HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST

In the last 175 years of records in the Atlantic, there have been two seasons without a hurricane. No hurricanes occurred during the Atlantic hurricane season in 1907 and 1914.