In the Atlantic, an unusual calm has settled in, despite the arrival of August. Forecasters have identified two key factors contributing to this quiet period. El Niño is driving wind shear in the Caribbean, while Saharan dust is drying out the eastern Atlantic.

These conditions are stifling tropical waves, even in areas with warm water. Further information on this phenomenon is available from KABB FOX 29, the local FOX affiliate in Terrell Hills, TX. They have reported on the Atlantic's eerie quiet, citing the combined effects of El Niño and Saharan dust as the primary cause.