September is historically the busiest stretch of the Atlantic hurricane season, but this year the tropics are unusually calm. As of Sept. 10, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was not tracking any active storms, marking the first time in records dating back to 2003 that its outlook map was completely blank on the statistical peak day of the season.
Typically, the second week of September features multiple tropical systems. Since World War II, mid-September has consistently seen the highest number of active storms, with September 10 pinpointed as the peak. The Atlantic basin usually offers the most favorable combination of warm waters, moist air, and reduced wind shear during this period, conditions that often give rise to hurricanes.
This year, however, forecasters say the atmosphere has been less cooperative for storm development. By Wednesday afternoon, the NHC had circled only one potential area of interest in the far eastern Atlantic, and even that system was expected to evolve slowly over the next week.
The contrast with past years is striking. Just one year ago, the Gulf Coast was bracing for Hurricane Francine, with several other systems developing simultaneously. Five years ago, on Sept. 14, five tropical depressions or stronger storms were active at once — a rare occurrence recorded only once before since 1971.
The current lull offers temporary relief for coastal communities, but forecasters caution that hurricane season runs through Nov. 30, leaving ample time for conditions to shift. Even in quieter seasons, a single powerful storm can cause widespread impacts.
While September 2025 may go down as one of the most tranquil peaks on record, meteorologists emphasize that the Atlantic basin can awaken quickly. The unusual calm is no guarantee that the remainder of the season will stay that way.
Source: The Weather Channel