The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet, and now we’re getting close to a date that could put this season in the record books.

If no hurricane forms before Sept. 11, this season will tie the record for the latest start to hurricane activity in the modern satellite era, a mark previously set in both 2002 and 2013.

In 2013, Hurricane Humberto formed on Sept. 11. In 2002, Hurricane Gustav became the season’s first hurricane on the same date.

Now, 2026 is approaching that benchmark.

Why has the Atlantic been so quiet?

One of the biggest reasons has been El Niño, which can bring stronger upper-level winds across the Atlantic. That creates wind shear, making it harder for tropical systems to organize and strengthen.

Too much of it can disrupt developing storms, tearing them apart before they have a chance to become hurricanes.

[RELATED: El Niño has officially arrived. Here’s what it means for Florida]

But hurricane season isn’t over

A quiet Atlantic does not mean the season is winding down.

September is typically the peak of hurricane season, and the tropics can become active very quickly when conditions become more favorable. Hurricane season can also remain active well into October, with some significant storms forming late in the season.

So for now, this is a record watch, not a prediction that 2026 will break the record.

And most importantly, don’t let a quiet Atlantic lower your guard. Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.