The onset of tropical cyclone season in the North Atlantic basin is a few weeks away. Interestingly, the North Atlantic tropics have cooled to below normal the last several months. Recovery can certainly occur however leading forecast models maintain this cool signature into the core of tropical cyclone season and also indicate signs of a potential El Nino. If an El Nino were to form and the North Atlantic tropical waters were near or cooler than normal, the 2018 tropical cyclone season would observe diminished activity.