A powerful El Niño has sharply reduced tropical activity across the Atlantic, with the 2026 hurricane season reaching its traditional peak without producing a single hurricane.

Only five short-lived tropical storms have formed so far, making this the latest start to an Atlantic hurricane season without a hurricane since reliable satellite monitoring began in the 1960s.

Colorado State University hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach said overall Atlantic storm activity was just 7 per cent of the normal level for this point in the season.

Meteorologists said El Niño has generated unusually strong wind shear between Africa and the Caribbean, tearing apart developing weather systems before they can strengthen. Dry air, Saharan dust and sinking air have also suppressed storm formation.

Despite the quieter conditions, residents of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean are being urged not to become complacent. Forecasters noted that a single storm can still cause catastrophic damage and that the Atlantic hurricane season continues until November 30.

The season has produced the opposite pattern in the Pacific, where El Niño has contributed to considerably higher tropical cyclone activity.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: El Niño Drives Record-Low Atlantic Hurricane Activity.