New Atlantic tropical disturbance emerges days
The Atlantic tropics are stirring again. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring several tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean, with forecasters keeping a close eye on developing systems as the basin reaches one of its traditional secondary peak windows in mid-October.
After a seemingly quiet start to the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the NHC is tracking three tropical disturbances in the Atlantic. Two of those disturbances have low chances of development over the next week, while one has a medium chance of development.
The Systems to Watch
The first area of concern involves a low pressure system developing in the eastern and central tropical Atlantic, a few hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands. It is moving westward across the Atlantic, where it is expected to merge with another tropical disturbance. A second disturbance is located in the Atlantic between West Africa and the Lesser Antilles, while a third — a trough of low pressure — is in the western subtropical Atlantic, northwest of Bermuda, and traveling east.
Separately, forecasters have also been watching Invest 95L and Invest 96L. Invest 96L is located off the coast of Africa, a few hundred miles away from the Cabo Verde Islands. The tropical wave carries disorganized showers and thunderstorms, but development is possible as the week progresses, with the NHC assigning it a 60% development chance over the next seven days. A tropical depression could form by mid-to-late week.
A Historically Slow Season — For Now
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been record-setting in its quietness. No hurricane has formed so far this season, which is the latest in the season that has ever happened on record in the modern satellite era.
AccuWeather meteorologist Nick Arman has warned that "in early October, a close eye will need to be kept on the Gulf and off the Southeast coast for possible tropical development."
What's Driving the Timing?
The Atlantic season has two peaks: one in mid-September and a second in mid-October, though activity tends to drop quickly after the second peak. The current disturbances are emerging right on that second-peak schedule.
El Niño typically brings stronger wind shear across the Atlantic that can rip apart developing tropical systems — a factor that has suppressed storm formation for much of the season. Whether the new disturbances can overcome that shear in the days ahead will be the key question for forecasters.
Should You Be Concerned?
For now, no immediate U.S. threats are forecast from any of the currently monitored systems. Even during a historically slow season, it is important to remain prepared and continue checking the latest tropical updates. Anyone in hurricane-prone areas should review their preparedness plans and monitor NHC updates closely throughout the week.