This year's Atlantic hurricane season, while predicted to be highly active, has seen an unusual lull with no named storms between August 21 and September 2 for the first time since 1997. Despite this, NOAA forecasts 17 to 24 named storms, including 8 to 13 hurricanes and 4 to 7 major hurricanes. Environmental factors like dry air, Saharan dust, and slow progression to La Niña have contributed to the reduced storm activity so far. Currently, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and near Africa's west coast. Heavy rains and potential flash flooding are expected in Texas, while more favorable conditions for storm development are anticipated in the Caribbean and Atlantic in the coming weeks. The peak of the hurricane season is approaching on September 10, and forecasters maintain that significant storm activity could still occur before the season ends on November 30.