Forecasters at FOX 13 in Tampa are warning residents that the Atlantic hurricane season is entering an unexpected lull. Over the next seven days, no tropical development is expected as a combination of Saharan dust and strong wind shear tied to El Niño creates an unfavorable environment for storms.

Potential record‑setting quiet period

If this quiet pattern holds, the Atlantic could set a new record for the latest first hurricane of the satellite era. Historically, the latest first hurricane formed on September 11. Should no storm develop before then, that benchmark would be surpassed.

Historical context

There have been years before satellite monitoring when no hurricanes were recorded, such as 1907 and 1914, though forecasters acknowledge that some storms may have gone unnoticed without landfall or ship reports.

What lies ahead

The peak of the Atlantic season typically arrives around September 10, meaning there is still ample time for tropical activity to increase. Experts stress that a quiet stretch now does not guarantee a calm remainder of the season.

Hurricane Lowell impacts Hawaii

While the Atlantic remains quiet, Hurricane Lowell is brushing Hawaii as a Category 2 system. The storm is delivering hurricane‑force winds to Kauai and could produce over a foot of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides in the islands.

For the latest outlooks and advisories, residents should continue to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local meteorologists.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.