Hurricane Season Winds Down following Strong El Niño

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. - The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is concluding with historically low activity, largely due to a strong El Niño event. This powerful climate phenomenon significantly suppressed storm development throughout the season. As of November 14, 2026, the season recorded only one major Atlantic hurricane, Isaias, marking a historically quiet period despite unusually warm sea surface temperatures.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declared a strong El Niño event on June 2, 2026. Experts classify this El Niño as the strongest measured for its time of year, labeling it a "Super El Niño." Forecasters anticipated El Niño's impact on the hurricane season as early as May 21, 2026, and its influence led to record-low activity.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2026. Tropical Storm Arthur formed on June 17, 2026, and impacted the north. Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 2 storm on October 9, 2026, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and necessities while also capturing six (6) fatalities.

This El Niño will begin to see effects start to fade in Spring 2027 coming to a full close by May through June of 2027.