Storm Season Said to Be Below-Normal. Experts Say Prepare for Worst
NOAA cites El Niño and mixed Atlantic conditions as it forecasts 8-14 named storms, with 1-3 major hurricanes possible.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 8-14 named storms for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 3-6 becoming hurricanes and 1-3 reaching major strength, reflecting a 55% chance of below-normal activity.
- El Niño conditions, expected with 98% probability and 80% chance of moderate to strong intensity, will increase Atlantic wind shear and disrupt storm development patterns, according to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs.
- National Weather Service Director Ken Graham cautioned that a strong El Niño in 2023 still produced the Atlantic's fourth busiest season with Hurricane Idalia, while climate advocate Monica Medina warned of 'lots of reasons to be concerned about the season' given warming oceans.
- Graham stressed that 'It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season' and urged residents to review hurricane preparedness plans now, emphasizing that all storms warrant attention regardless of predicted activity levels.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlighted advanced modeling and hurricane-tracking technology for real-time forecasts as the June 1 season launch approaches, with residents across Hawaii, California, the Southwest, and Gulf Coast regions also advised to prepare through November 30.
12 Articles
12 Articles
NOAA predicts a quieter 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but still warns it only takes one storm
A quieter-than-usual Atlantic hurricane season may be on the way, but for people in storm-prone areas, that does not mean it is time to relax. As KBTX reported, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released an initial forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season that pointed to below-normal activity overall. What's happening? The agency expects eight to 14 named storms, with three to six becoming hurricanes and one to three rea…
The forecast for a less active hurricane season in the Atlantic is mainly attributed to the expected intensification of El Niño over the coming months, whose conditions tend to favor the formation of fewer tropical storms and hurricanes in this basin.
Hurricane Season Forecast Shows Below-Average Activity, but Climate Experts Warn Against Dropping Guard
As hurricane season officially begins this Monday, June 1st, meteorologists are projecting a quieter-than-usual period of storm activity across the Atlantic basin. Current forecasts predict eight to 14 named storms will develop over the coming months, with three to six intensifying into full hurricanes. Of particular concern, one to three could reach major hurricane status—categories 3, 4, or 5—bringing devastating winds of 111 mph or stronger. …
NOAA predicts quieter hurricane season, but Georgia urged to stay prepared - Now Georgia
ATLANTA — Hurricane season begins June 1, and federal forecasters say the 2026 Atlantic season is expected to be less active than usual. Still, weather experts warn that even one storm can bring devastating impacts to Georgia and the Southeast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting between eight and 14 named storms in the Atlantic this year, according to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs. That is about five fewer storms…
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