Us dodges hurricanes for first time in decade thanks to atmospheric “force field” — but climate dangers intensify

For the first time since 2015, no hurricanes made landfall in the United States this season, despite scientists predicting an above-average year with up to 10 named storms. The unexpected reprieve came courtesy of an atmospheric anomaly that acted like a protective shield, steering storms away from the mainland and back out to sea.

The phenomenon centered on unusual jet stream patterns during peak hurricane months. Instead of the typical ridge formation that allows storms to approach the East Coast, a persistent trough created counterclockwise winds that pushed hurricanes northward and away from US shores. “As they approached the East Coast, we had this anomalous influence this hurricane season, where they were more or less steered to the north,” explained Brian McNoldy, a hurricane scientist at the University of Miami.

However, this fortunate deflection masked a deeply troubling trend. While only five Atlantic hurricanes formed — half the predicted number — four reached catastrophic Category 5 strength, meaning 80% of storms achieved maximum intensity compared to the typical 40%. Hurricane Melissa exemplified this dangerous pattern, rapidly intensifying from 70 to 140 mph in just 18 hours and ultimately tying records as the second most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever recorded.

The Caribbean bore the brunt of these supercharged storms, with Melissa alone killing at least 45 people across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Scientists attribute the exceptional intensity to record-breaking ocean temperatures, made up to 900 times more likely by climate change. While atmospheric patterns may occasionally shield the US, the underlying message is clear: as oceans continue heating, future hurricanes that do make landfall will be increasingly destructive.