Atlantic poised to break hurricane record as forecasters watch waters near US
The Atlantic hurricane season reaches its climatological peak this week, and AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring just one area for potential development.
The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane is the strongest to ever make landfall in the U.S. Its estimated wind gusts of 225 mph and 20-foot storm surge devastated the Florida Keys and killed nearly 500 people.
As the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season arrives this week, tropical activity remains largely suppressed due to an unusually strong El Niño. The one exception is off the southeastern coast of the United States, where AccuWeather hurricane experts have highlighted an area with a low chance of tropical development into the middle of the month.
"A slow-moving front will drift into the southeastern United States, leading to enhanced thunderstorm coverage. An area of tropical development may take shape offshore in a setup similar to how Edouard formed last week," AccuWeather Meteorologist Nicholas Arman said.
With waters warmer than the historical average across much of the Gulf and Atlantic, tropical threats like this warrant monitoring. Regardless of tropical development, an increase in flooding downpours and locally gusty winds can be expected with thunderstorms, creating hazards to beachgoers and boaters. The next name on the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season list is Fay.
The climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season occurs on Sept. 10.
So far this year, the Atlantic has produced five named storms, but none have strengthened into a hurricane.
Record territory approaching
The unusually quiet Atlantic hurricane season is approaching record territory. During the satellite era (1960s-present), the latest date for the season's first Atlantic hurricane is Sept. 11, which occurred in both 2002 and 2013.
If no hurricane forms by Friday, the 2026 Atlantic season will mark the latest point in the satellite era without an Atlantic hurricane. The satellite era began in the 1960s, when the United States started monitoring weather from space.
GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
•Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+
The last Atlantic season without a hurricane occurred more than 100 years ago, in 1914. With atmospheric conditions expected to remain unfavorable for tropical development through at least the middle of September, the 2026 season will continue to be monitored for the possibility of approaching that historic benchmark.
One of the main factors limiting tropical activity has been disruptive winds known as wind shear, which can deter new storms from forming. Several plumes of Saharan dust have also moved westward across the Atlantic, bringing dry air that has inhibited tropical development.
"This less conducive environment is expected to persist through the remainder of the hurricane season. This can cause the hurricane season to be less active overall," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.
Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Report a Typo
