The Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet so far, but forecasters are watching two areas of potential tropical development in the Atlantic over the coming week.

The National Hurricane Center said Saturday that it is monitoring the two systems, while adding that both currently have a low chance of becoming tropical cyclones. Neither system is considered an immediate threat to the United States.

The update comes as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season enters its historically busier stretch. The season typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October, with Sept. 10 considered the traditional high point.

So far this year, the National Hurricane Center has assigned names to just two tropical storms, Arthur and Bertha. Both formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The slow start is the quietest since 2009, according to hurricane expert Michael Lowry.

Neither system is considered an immediate threat to the United States. The hurricane center will continue to monitor both areas as conditions evolve.

It’s been a slow hurricane season, for now

The lack of activity does not mean the rest of the season will remain quiet. Colorado State University is forecasting nine named storms this year, including four hurricanes and one major hurricane. NOAA’s initial forecast called for eight to 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s August 6 forecast predicts a 75 percent chance of a below normal Atlantic hurricane season.

“In the Atlantic basin, a typical hurricane season will yield 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes,” NOAA’s website stated.

It added that El Nino conditions such as this year’s tend to result in less severe hurricane seasons.

If the two systems that are being monitored actually do become tropical storms, the next two names that are on the World Meteorological Organization’s list to be assigned are Cristobal and Dolly.