2026 hurricane season maps tracker: Current storms, forecast
The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the central Atlantic, though the system is not expected to threaten the United States. Forecasters indicate the system faces an uphill climb for further development. This activity follows a period of unusual inactivity during the second week of September, which is typically the peak of the tropical season. While this disturbance marks a shift from the previously blank maps, it does not yet signal a broader surge in hurricane activity.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance in the central Atlantic.
- ✓ The central Atlantic disturbance poses no threat to the U.S.
What changed
The National Hurricane Center identified a disturbance in the central Atlantic after a period of no active storms.
Live updates
-
NHC monitors central Atlantic disturbance with low U.S. threat
The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the central Atlantic, though the system is not expected to threaten the United States. Forecasters indicate the system faces an uphill climb for further development. This activity follows a period of unusual inactivity during the second week of September, which is typically the peak of the tropical season. While this disturbance marks a shift from the previously blank maps, it does not yet signal a broader surge in hurricane activity.
Why it matters
The 2026 season has seen a record delay for hurricanes, which meteorologists linked to El Nino. The region is currently in its climatological peak for storm activity.
What is confirmed
- The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance in the central Atlantic.
- The central Atlantic disturbance poses no threat to the U.S.
What to watch next
- Updates on the development status of the central Atlantic disturbance
- New tracking data from the National Hurricane Center regarding U.S. land threats
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.nytimes.com — 2026 College Football Playoff projection bracket
- jen.jiji.com — Mongolia and France agree to strengthen school lunch program
- jen.jiji.com — 27yo woman falls from window onto stroller with child in Kazakh child
- jen.jiji.com — Elena Rybakina wins US Open, earns USD 5.5 mln in prize money
- jen.jiji.com — Kazakh President congratulates Elena Rybakina on US Open victory
- www.wusf.org — National Hurricane Center monitors Atlantic disturbance, but no U.S. threat expected
-
Atlantic Hurricane Map Blank During Typical Seasonal Peak
The Atlantic hurricane map is currently blank during the second week of September, a period usually marked by the highest level of tropical activity. This lack of storms coincides with a record delay for hurricanes this season. Meteorologists attribute the current inactivity to El Nino. While the region remains in its climatological peak, no active storms are currently reported on the tracking maps.
Why it matters
The Atlantic hurricane season typically reaches its highest activity levels in September and October. A strong El Nino can suppress storm formation in the Atlantic while affecting broader weather patterns, such as delaying winter in Canada.
What is confirmed
- The second week of September is typically the most active time of the hurricane season.
- The current hurricane map for the second week of September is blank.
Still unconfirmed
- The current lack of Atlantic storms is caused by El Nino.
What to watch next
- Formation of new tropical waves or named storms in the Atlantic basin.
- Updated forecasts for the remainder of the September climatological peak.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- stateportpilot.com — Flounder season nets good catches, ends Monday
- jen.jiji.com — Historic heatwave sweeps Uzbekistan in August 2026
- jen.jiji.com — Renowned Kazakh journalist Yuriy Mizinov passed away
- www.yahoo.com — Atlantic hurricane season peak: no storms and a record hurricane delay
- jen.jiji.com — Elena Rybakina secures spot at 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells
- jen.jiji.com — Kazakhstan names flag bearers for 2026 Summer Asian Games
-
Atlantic hurricane season reaches climatological peak as center tracks 4 waves
The Atlantic hurricane season has reached its climatological peak, the period of highest tropical activity. The Hurricane Center is currently tracking four tropical waves. Meanwhile, a potentially historic El Nino is expected to prolong fall and delay the arrival of winter across much of Canada, according to The Weather Network. September and October will continue to see typical fluctuations between warm periods and stormy, chilly weather. In the Pacific, Hurricane Lowell previously impacted the western Hawaiian Islands as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph.
Why it matters
The peak of the season typically sees the highest frequency of storm formation and intensity. Monitoring tropical waves is critical for predicting landfall risks in Florida and the Caribbean. Current El Nino conditions influence global weather patterns, affecting both winter timing in the north and storm trajectories.
What is confirmed
- The Weather Network forecasts a mild fall across much of Canada due to a potentially historic El Nino.
- September and October will feature typical swings between warm spells and chilly, stormy weather.
Still unconfirmed
- The Atlantic hurricane season has reached its climatological peak.
What to watch next
- Official winter arrival dates for Canada as El Nino progresses.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- jen.jiji.com — Kazakhstan to debut in padel at 2026 Asian Games
- jen.jiji.com — Who won Miss World 2026?
- www.yahoo.com — Hurricane Center tracking 4 tropical waves. Will Florida see season record?
- www.nationalobserver.com — Winter will wait on the sidelines as El Nino extends fall: The Weather Network outlook
- medicinehatnews.com — Winter to wait on the sidelines as El Nino extends fall: The Weather Network outlook
-
Hurricane Lowell brings damaging winds and rain to Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell passed west of Niihau late Monday as a Category 3 storm, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rain to the western Hawaiian Islands. At 11 p.m. HST Monday, the U.S. National Weather Service located the storm 90 miles west of Lihue and 190 miles west-northwest of Honolulu. The system moved north-northeast at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. A hurricane warning remains for Kauai County, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for Oahu. Rainfall totals may reach up to 10 inches.
Why it matters
El Nino is currently fueling powerful storms in the Pacific, leading to a rare trio of hurricanes. This activity has placed the western Hawaiian Islands under significant threat of flooding and high surf.
What is confirmed
- Hurricane Lowell is a Category 3 storm.
- A hurricane warning is in effect for Kauai and Niihau.
- The U.S. National Weather Service reported Lowell was 90 miles west of Lihue at 11 p.m. HST Monday.
- Lowell's maximum sustained winds reached 110 mph with a minimum central pressure of 963 mb.
- A tropical storm warning covers Oahu.
Still unconfirmed
- Severe weather in New York City included a possible waterspout.
- Hurricane Lowell may bring up to 10 inches of rain.
What to watch next
- Movement of Hurricane Lowell relative to Oahu's coastline.
- Updates on Tropical Storm Karina's strength and trajectory.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- ny1.com — Flooding, damage reported across New York City after severe storms
- www.staradvertiser.com — Hurricane Lowell within 175 miles of Kauai, bringing heavy rain, winds and waves
- www.ibtimes.sg — Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii With Flooding, High Surf and Damaging Winds
- jen.jiji.com — Hurricane Lowell passes west of Niihau as damaging winds and heavy rain hit Hawaii
- jen.jiji.com — How the Golden Horde changed the world: French historian’s book presented in Almaty
-
Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii as Warnings Issued
Hurricane Lowell maintains Category 3 strength while tracking north toward the western Hawaiian Islands. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are now in effect for Kauai and Niihau as the system approaches. The Miami-based center forecasts that Lowell will pass to the west of the islands late Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, Karina has weakened to a tropical storm. El Nino is fueling powerful storms in the Pacific, where a rare trio of hurricanes has formed.
Why it matters
Hawaii remains under a state of emergency as residents prepare for potential severe weather impacts. The storm's trajectory places the western islands directly in the path of anticipated tropical storm conditions. Regional weather patterns show broader Pacific activity tied to El Nino conditions.
What is confirmed
- Hurricane Lowell remains a Category 3 hurricane as it tracks north toward the western Hawaiian Islands.
- A tropical storm warning is in effect for Kauai and Niihau.
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Kauai County.
- Karina has weakened to a tropical storm.
- The Miami-based center issued the warning as Lowell was forecast to pass the islands late Monday and Tuesday while traveling north.
Still unconfirmed
- California may be at risk for a hurricane landfall this year due to ominous changes in weather conditions.
What to watch next
- The passage of Hurricane Lowell past Kauai and Niihau late Monday and Tuesday
- Updates on wind and rain conditions across the western Hawaiian Islands
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.yahoo.com — Tropical storm warning issued for parts of Hawaii as Hurricane Lowell approaches
- londonlovesbusiness.com — Rare trio of Pacific hurricanes forms as El Niño fuels powerful storms
- www.wbrz.com — Global warming will exceed limit, UN says in a report that maps path to get back below danger zone
- www.sun-sentinel.com — Floridians should celebrate Florida’s Right to Work law | Opinion
- www.pbs.org — Hawaii residents told to expect tropical storm conditions as Hurricane Lowell passes to the west
- www.kitv.com — TRACKING LOWELL | Hurricane Lowell remains Category 3 as Hurricane Watch issued for Kauai
-
Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii, California at Risk
Hurricane Lowell, a Category 4 storm, is tracking west of Hawaii and expected to pass near the Western Hawaiian Islands early next week. Hawaii has declared a state of emergency as residents prepare for the powerful system. Meanwhile, a top forecaster warns that California may be at risk for a hurricane landfall this year due to ominous changes in weather conditions.
Why it matters
The 2026 hurricane season is shaping up to be active, with Hurricane Lowell impacting Hawaii and a potential threat to California. Lowell previously reached Category 5 strength before restrengthening to Category 4. The Atlantic basin remains quiet.
What is confirmed
- Hurricane Lowell has restrengthened to a Category 4 storm and is tracking west of Hawaii.
- Hawaii has declared a state of emergency as residents brace for the powerful system.
- An expert forecaster fears 2026 may be the year a hurricane makes landfall in California, as the conditions line up for a historic storm.
Still unconfirmed
- California has never been hit by a hurricane, but conditions may be ripe for a landfall this year.
What to watch next
- Hurricane Lowell's impact on the Western Hawaiian Islands early next week
- Potential hurricane landfall in California this year
- Further updates on Hurricane Lowell's trajectory and intensity
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.nbcsports.com — Premier League table for 2026-27 season
- www.dailymail.com — California has never been hit by a hurricane. Now a top forecaster reveals the three ominous changes that could make the unthinkable happen THIS year
- www.yahoo.com — Hurricane Lowell To Impact Hawaii — Why So Many Storms This Year?
- www.staradvertiser.com — Hurricane Lowell begins turning; Kauai officials urge residents to finish preparations
-
Hurricane Lowell Reaches Category 4 as Hawaii Faces Emergency
Hurricane Lowell has restrengthened to a Category 4 storm and is tracking west of Hawaii. A hard-right turn scheduled for this weekend will direct the former Category 5 hurricane toward the northwestern islands of the state. Forecasters expect the storm to pass near the Western Hawaiian Islands early next week, potentially bringing broader impacts statewide. Hawaii has declared a state of emergency as residents brace for the powerful system. Meanwhile, the Atlantic basin remains entirely quiet.
Why it matters
The Pacific basin is currently seeing high activity, contrasting with a dormant Atlantic where historical records show entire seasons with zero hurricanes dating back to 1851. Because satellite observation did not exist during those early years, historical tracking remains incomplete. Meteorologist Bryan Norcross highlights this quiet Atlantic contrast while Lowell makes its closest approach to Hawaii.
What is confirmed
- Hurricane Lowell is a Category 4 hurricane tracking west of Hawaii.
- Hawaii is under a state of emergency as it braces for potential impacts from Lowell.
- The Atlantic basin remains quiet with no active hurricanes.
Still unconfirmed
- Lowell is a former Category 5 hurricane that will make a hard-right turn this weekend toward northwestern Hawaiian islands.
What to watch next
- The exact track of Lowell as it approaches the Western Hawaiian Islands early next week
- Potential statewide impacts following the weekend turn
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.kitv.com — TRACKING LOWELL | Hurricane Lowell restrengthens to Category 4, continues track west of Hawaii
- www.yahoo.com — Bryan Norcross: Atlantic sleeps while Hurricane Lowell makes its closest approach to Hawaii early next week
- yaleclimateconnections.org — How close to Hawaii will Hurricane Lowell get?
- www.yahoo.com — Hurricane Lowell strengthens to Category 5 as Hawaii braces for possible impacts
-
Lowell intensifies to hurricane southeast of Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell is moving south of the Hawaiian island chain after intensifying into a hurricane southeast of the Big Island. Weather officials forecast the storm will rapidly strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday night. In the Pacific, Hurricane Karina has also intensified quickly due to warm offshore waters. While the Pacific is seeing high activity with three hurricanes, the Atlantic remains quiet. Tropical Storm Dolly continues to move west-northwest as disorganized remnants.
Why it matters
A strengthening El Nino event is fueling current storm activity. The contrast between a highly active Pacific and a quiet Atlantic is a primary focus for meteorologists.
What is confirmed
- Lowell intensified into a hurricane southeast of Hawaii.
- The U.S. National Hurricane Center says warm offshore waters fueled the quick intensification of Hurricane Karina.
Still unconfirmed
- Lowell will become a Category 3 storm by Wednesday night.
- The Pacific currently has three hurricanes.
What to watch next
- Lowell's wind speed and category status by Wednesday night
- The track of Hurricane Karina relative to land masses
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Hurricane season maps tracker: Dolly, forecasts and more in the Pacific, Atlantic
- www.pbs.org — LIVE MAP: Track the path of Hurricane Karina
- www.staradvertiser.com — Lowell becomes a hurricane hundreds of miles southeast of the Big Island
- www.yahoo.com — The science behind the Pacific's three hurricanes and what Lowell and Marie mean for the US
-
Tropical Storm Lowell heads toward Central Pacific, Karina intensifies
Tropical Storm Lowell is moving westward toward the Central Pacific, expected to pass south of Hawaii as a hurricane. Meanwhile, Hurricane Karina rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm. The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are disorganized and moving west-northwest, potentially bringing drought relief to the Caribbean. This activity occurs during a strengthening El Nino event.
Why it matters
The 2026 hurricane season is active, with multiple systems tracked across both oceans. The Atlantic hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically between August and October. El Nino events can influence hurricane tracks and intensities.
What is confirmed
- Tropical Storm Lowell is moving westward with little change in intensity as it continues to track south of the Hawaiian Islands.
- Hurricane Karina has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm.
- The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are disorganized and moving west-northwest.
- The Atlantic hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30.
Still unconfirmed
- A disturbance is headed for Louisiana/Texas.
What to watch next
- Tropical Storm Lowell's projected path and potential impact on Hawaii
- The development of Hurricane Karina
- The potential drought relief from the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly in the Caribbean
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.aol.com — Hurricane center tracking 2 systems, including remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly
- www.staradvertiser.com — Tropical Storm Lowell enters Central Pacific on track to pass south of Hawaii
- www.hawaiitribune-herald.com — Tropical Storm Lowell enters Central Pacific on track to pass south of Big Island as a hurricane
- www.ibtimes.sg — Hurricane Karina Tracker: Category 3 Storm Rapidly Intensifies as Lowell Moves Toward Hawaii
- www.latimes.com — California’s beaches are being eaten away. El Niño could redraw the coast as we know it
- www.wokv.com — Talking the Tropics w/Mike: Disturbance headed for Louisiana/Texas... Dolly remnants disorganized
- www.yahoo.com — Tropical Storm Lowell continues on track to pass south of Hawaii
-
Tropical Storm Lowell nears Central Pacific as Dolly dissipates
Tropical Storm Lowell is moving toward the Central Pacific and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane. In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Dolly has lost its storm status. The remnants of Dolly are moving west-northwest and remain disorganized, though they are expected to provide drought relief to the Caribbean. This activity follows a period of high volatility in the Pacific, where Tropical Storm Iselle weakened and Tropical Storm Julio dissipated. Forecasters continue to track multiple systems across both oceans during a strengthening El Nino event.
Why it matters
El Nino typically alters global weather patterns, creating unusual conditions for maritime travel and storm development. The current season has seen a high volume of activity, with between seven and nine systems monitored across the Atlantic and Pacific.
What is confirmed
- Tropical Storm Lowell is expected to become a hurricane as it moves into the Central Pacific.
- Tropical Storm Dolly is no longer a tropical storm.
Still unconfirmed
- Remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly will bring drought relief to the Caribbean.
- Dolly remnants are moving west-northwest and remain disorganized.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of Lowell reaching hurricane strength in the Central Pacific.
- Development of Invest 93E into a named storm.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.yahoo.com — Tropical Storm Dolly tracker reveals US territory at risk within days
- www.sailingtoday.co.uk — Expert Guide to El Nino Sailing - Safe Havens and Danger Zones You Need To Know
- www.staradvertiser.com — Lowell on track to be a hurricane in Central Pacific next week
- www.actionnewsjax.com — Talking the Tropics w/Mike: Dolly remnants moving west/northwest remains disorganized
- www.staradvertiser.com — Tropical Storm Lowell approaches Central Pacific; expected to become hurricane
- au.news.yahoo.com — Remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly to bring drought relief to the Caribbean
-
Pacific Basin Sees High Storm Activity as Tropical Storm Iselle Weakens
The Pacific Ocean remains a hot spot for tropical activity with multiple systems currently under watch. Tropical Storm Iselle continues to churn in the East Pacific but is now weakening far from Hawaii. In a recent development, Tropical Storm Julio dissipated near Iselle, following forecasts that Iselle would absorb the storm. Forecasters are monitoring between seven and nine total systems across the Atlantic and Pacific, including Invest 93E, which may become the next named storm due to a strengthening El Niño.
Why it matters
A strengthening El Niño is keeping the Pacific primed for storm development. This atmospheric pattern increases ocean temperatures, fueling more frequent and intense tropical systems. Ongoing monitoring by the National Hurricane Center tracks these threats to determine potential landfalls.
What is confirmed
- Tropical Storm Iselle is weakening in the East Pacific far from Hawaii.
- Tropical Storm Julio dissipated near Tropical Storm Iselle in the Pacific Ocean.
- Forecasters are tracking multiple systems across the Atlantic and Pacific.
Still unconfirmed
- Tropical Storm Dolly is headed toward Puerto Rico.
What to watch next
- Whether Invest 93E develops into a named storm
- The final dissipation of Tropical Storm Iselle
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- The Weather Channel — 2026 hurricane season maps tracker: Current storms, forecast
- WPEC — Tropics remain very active across the Pacific with three named storms, four waves
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser — Tropical Storm Iselle churns in East Pacific as active hurricane season continues
- AP News — Tropical Storm Iselle expected to absorb Tropical Storm Julio in the Pacific Ocean
- Currently.com — Map shows where two tropical storms will become one: Tracker path
- USA Today — Hurricane forecasters track 9 systems across Atlantic, Pacific
- Yahoo — Pacific Basin firing up with two named storms and four areas to watch
- fox5sandiego.com — Tropical Storm Julio dissipates near Tropical Storm Iselle in the Pacific Ocean
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser — Tropical Storm Iselle weakening far from Hawaii in East Pacific
- FOX Weather — Invest 93E could become next named storm as strengthening El Niño keeps Pacific primed with 6 areas to watch
- San Francisco Chronicle — The Pacific is a ‘hot spot’ for storms right now. Here’s why — and how long it will last
- Yahoo — Relentless activity in the Pacific carries on
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community