El Niño slows Atlantic storms in 2026 season
Forecasters cite a rapidly strengthening El Niño and high Atlantic wind shear as they keep the season well below average, with 40% of normal activity projected.
- On Wednesday, Colorado State University researchers lowered their 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook to 9 named storms, including 4 hurricanes and 1 major hurricane.
- Powerful El Niño conditions continue to suppress tropical activity by generating hostile upper-level westerly winds and vertical wind shear across the Atlantic basin, effectively inhibiting storm intensification.
- This season's Accumulated Cyclone Energy is currently less than 30 percent of the long-term average, well below the traditional seasonal norms of 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes.
- Only two tropical storms, Arthur and Bertha, have formed so far, marking an exceptionally slow start since 2009 according to hurricane experts.
- While the Atlantic remains quiet as the traditional peak approaches September 10, experts emphasize "it only takes one hurricane making landfall" to impact coastal communities.
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Super El Niño 2026 is reshaping hurricane season. Here's what NOAA forecasts
NOAA predicts a below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. A strong El Niño is expected to suppress storm development significantly this year. Forecasters anticipate fewer named storms and hurricanes than usual. However, coastal communities must remain prepared for potential storms. This outlook aligns with other meteorological predictions for the season.
Newest 2026 hurricane season forecast predicts ‘well below-normal’ number of storms
As the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season nears, Colorado State University experts have released their final outlook for 2026, which maintains it will be "a well below-normal season."
Tallahassee Reports
News Service of FloridaColorado State Lowers ‘Well Below-Average’ Storm Forecast
By The News Service of Florida Colorado State University researchers further reduced their projections for the number of named systems, including the odds of landfalls, during the remaining months of the Atlantic hurricane season. But they also advised people to stay prepared. “We are forecasting a well below-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” the researchers p…
Forecasters expect the least active Atlantic hurricane season in more than a decade
FPREN | By Andrew Wulfeck Colorado State University left its Atlantic hurricane season outlook unchanged Wednesday, calling for one of the least active hurricane seasons in more than a decade. CSU hurricane experts continue to expect nine named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane to form during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The outlook ranks among the least active in-season predictions since the university began issuing forecas…
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