Why the strengthening El Niño means fewer Atlantic hurricanes

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The strengthening El Niño weather pattern is linked to fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean this year, with no hurricanes recorded by mid-season despite historical averages indicating several by this time. NOAA forecasts suggest a quieter hurricane season than usual due to this phenomenon.

The weather pattern is associated with extreme, stormy weather, but authorities predict a quiet year in one ocean at least ‘Supersizing before our eyes’: UN warns of record El Niño approaching One significant effect of the stronger El Niño is fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic. In the 30 years to 2020, on average the first hurricane arrived by 11 August, the second by 26 August and the third by 7 September. This year the total so far has been zero. At the start of the season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a quiet year, anticipating between three and six hurricanes, well below the average of seven. The August forecast cut the expected number to between two and six. Until this year, the latest date for the first Atlantic hurricane was 11 September, in 2002 and 2013. Continue reading...