Tropical Storm Fay forms in Atlantic as Pacific's Odalys strengthens
Tropical Storm Fay forms far out in the Atlantic as El Niño conditions continue to suppress Atlantic hurricane formation, with officials noting little risk to land in the near term. Fay, the sixth named storm of the 2026 season, was about 450 miles southwest of the Azores with 45 mph winds and is expected to become a remnant low by week’s end. In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Odalys is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Sept. 21, though it currently poses no immediate threat. NOAA highlights how El Niño can dampen Atlantic activity while potentially boosting Pacific storms. The broader pattern suggests continued active storm development outside the U.S. coast, with no Atlantic landfalls to date this season.
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Tropical Storm Fay formed in the Atlantic and was carrying 45 mph winds, located roughly 450 miles southwest of the Azores, and moving northeast at about 5 mph.
The National Hurricane Center indicated Fay is the sixth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and is not expected to threaten life or property in the near term.
Fay is anticipated to weaken into a remnant low and dissipate by the end of the week as unfavorable environmental conditions persist.
El Niño conditions, driven by high-elevation winds from warmer Pacific temperatures, are cited as the primary reason for reduced Atlantic hurricane formation this season.
In the Pacific, Odalys was near the western coast of southern Mexico with sustained winds around 40 mph and a northwest motion, expected to intensify into a hurricane by Sept. 21.
NOAA notes that while El Niño suppresses Atlantic activity, it can simultaneously enhance Pacific hurricane development, contributing to stronger storms there.
The Atlantic season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, with about 97% of tropical cyclone activity typically occurring within that window, though storms can form outside it.