WHY THE QUIET HURRICANE SEASON?

See below article:

 5 reasons behind the historic absence of tropical storms this hurricane season (accuweather.com)

Here's one:

Water across nearly all of the Atlantic hurricane basin is incredibly warm, which can fuel any tropical system that does develop. However, one area just off the west coast of Africa is much cooler, a phenomenon known as "Atlantic Niña."

Research has shown Atlantic Niñas can potentially lead to less tropical activity in the Atlantic. The reasoning behind this cooling in the Atlantic is still a bit unclear.