Atlantic Hurricane Season Sees Unusually Low Activity

Why it matters locally: While Maryland is not typically in the direct path of major hurricanes, a less active season reduces the likelihood of indirect impacts such as heavy rainfall and coastal flooding that can affect the state.

The Atlantic hurricane season has exhibited an unusually low level of hurricane activity this year. As of early October, no hurricanes had formed in the Atlantic basin. This marks a departure from typical seasonal patterns. Scientists attribute the reduced hurricane development to the influence of El Niño. This climate phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, impacts weather systems globally. In the Atlantic, El Niño typically increases vertical wind shear. This refers to the change in wind speed or direction with altitude. High vertical wind shear disrupts the structure of developing tropical cyclones, preventing them from strengthening into hurricanes. Records indicate the Atlantic has experienced tropical storms during this period, but these systems have not intensified to hurricane strength. The last time the Atlantic basin recorded no hurricanes by early October was in 2013. Observers note the current conditions align with forecasts that predicted a less active hurricane season due to El Niño's effects. While the hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, the period between August and October traditionally represents the peak for hurricane activity.