atlantic quiet, the gulf of mexico has been silent for a week straight or more

You'll be suprised on how much the gulf of mexico has been spotless. That's because an area of high pressure is over the gulf, which causes more shear because it's driving the winds downward in the carribean and the gulf of the bahamas, causing for more wind shear. More shear means less percentage of strengh. The storm has then nothing to do but two words: final; glory; and the storm peters out.