Atlantic hurricane season sets record with no storms reaching hurricane strength

Modern meteorological records show that, for the first time, the Atlantic hurricane season has progressed to its middle without a single storm reaching hurricane intensity, defined as sustained winds of at least 119 km/h. The National Hurricane Center reports that only five tropical storms have traversed the basin, all remaining below hurricane strength. Nick Novella of the Weather Prediction Center explained to one outlet that while the 1950s featured comparable quiet years, the observational capabilities then were limited, making those figures uncertain.

Experts attribute one outlet lull primarily to an unusually strong El Niño phenomenon. In contrast, the Pacific near the U.S. state of Hawaii has experienced two hurricanes—Lowell and Lala—over the past two weeks; both caused significant damage and power outages but their cores missed the islands. Forecasts indicate a third tropical system may approach Hawaii next week, also likely to stay offshore.