Tropical Depression 6 Forms in Atlantic, No Threat to Jax

Jacksonville residents face no immediate threat from Tropical Depression 6, which formed Saturday morning, Sept. 19, 2026, in the far Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The system is hundreds of miles southwest of the Azores.

Meteorologist Mike Buresh described the storm's location as "pretty much in the middle of nowhere." While Tropical Depression 6 could strengthen into Tropical Storm Fay and move slowly over the weekend, its current path poses no danger to land areas, including Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

Forecasters expect increasing wind shear and dry air to inhibit the system's development by early to mid-week. This storm's formation occurs after the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ends Nov. 30.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet. The average date for the sixth named storm is Aug. 29, and the average date for the first Atlantic hurricane is Aug. 11. The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), a measure of storm strength and duration, is at a record low as of Sept. 16. Notably, 2026 has set a satellite era record with no Atlantic hurricanes recorded through Sept. 11.

Strong wind shear has affected much of the Atlantic Basin, particularly south of 20 degrees North latitude, a pattern typical of El Niño seasons. While no immediate land threats are projected, longer-range forecasts suggest a potential increase in Atlantic Basin activity from late September into early October, with the Gulf of Mexico and Southwest Atlantic being the most likely areas for development.

Residents should remain prepared for potential tropical weather. The First Alert Hurricane Preparation Guide and the City of Jacksonville Preparedness Guide are available for reference.