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Tropical Storm Fay Forms, Forecast to Strengthen

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 2:43 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Tropical Storm Fay Forms

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported Tropical Storm Fay formed in the northern Atlantic.
The storm was located about 450 miles southwest of the Azores.
No coastal watches or warnings were issued, according to the Center in Miami.
Maximum sustained winds reached 45 mph at 5 a.m. EDT.
Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen further in the short term.

Summary

El Niño Suppresses Hurricanes

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has recorded the longest period without a hurricane since records began.
A strong El Niño is suppressing storm development, limiting the season to six tropical storms.
If no hurricane forms by Sept. 21, the season will set a record for the latest first hurricane.
AccuWeather notes the first storm usually forms by Aug. 29, making Fay’s late emergence notable.

Summary

NHC Renames Gulf

The National Hurricane Center renamed the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America” per a presidential order.
The NHC added a gray “X” symbol on outlook maps to mark disturbances with low development chances.
The agency began testing a new “cone of uncertainty” graphic to improve public perception of forecast confidence.
Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said hatched areas on NHC maps indicate regions where a tropical cyclone could develop.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, prompting the National Hurricane Center and NOAA to overhaul forecasting after $125 billion in damages. The agency introduced the cone of uncertainty graphic in 1998, which reduced average track error by roughly 20 percent for 48-hour forecasts. Today's Atlantic season, delayed by a strong El Niño and featuring Tropical Storm Fay near the Azores, echoes 2005’s unusual timing and heightened communication. Consequently, the NHC’s 2026 addition of a gray “X” symbol and the renaming of the Gulf of America aim to sharpen risk perception and response.

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Tropical Storm Fay Forms

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported Tropical Storm Fay formed in the northern Atlantic.
The storm was located about 450 miles southwest of the Azores.
No coastal watches or warnings were issued, according to the Center in Miami.
Maximum sustained winds reached 45 mph at 5 a.m. EDT.
Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen further in the short term.

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