UPDATE: CSU Further Lowers Predicted Number of Named Storms for 2026 Hurricane Season
CSU now expects 9 named storms, 4 hurricanes and 1 major hurricane, citing Super El Niño as a factor that could suppress Atlantic activity.
- On Wednesday, Colorado State University researchers lowered their 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast, now predicting 9 named storms, 4 hurricanes, and 1 major hurricane.
- Senior Research Scientist Philip Klotzbach cited strengthening El Niño as the dominant factor, explaining it increases vertical wind shear that disrupts developing storms.
- The forecast calls for an Accumulated Cyclone Energy index of 50, roughly 40% of the long-term average—the lowest Atlantic value since 2013. Klotzbach noted conditions mirror past seasons like 2015 and 2009.
- Despite the lower forecast, forecasters warn that below-normal activity does not guarantee safety; Tropical Storm Arthur brought record-breaking rainfall to Louisiana in June.
- The report estimates a 17% chance of a major U.S. hurricane landfall, well below the 43% average, with the next forecast update scheduled for August 5.
22 Articles
22 Articles
CSU Forecasts Quieter Atlantic Hurricane Season as El Niño Strengthens
Colorado State University (CSU) researchers further reduced their forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on Wednesday, saying they now expect a well below-normal season as strengthening El Niño conditions are projected to suppress storm development during the peak months. The university’s Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling and Software team now forecasts 9 named storms, 4 hurricanes and 1 major hurricane for the Atlantic bas…
Hurricane season now envisioned 'well below normal'
Storm forecasters have further downgraded predictions a little more than a month into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has so far produced a single named tropical system. For a season initially anticipated to be “somewhat below normal,” Colorado State University researchers on Wednesday reduced their projections for the number of named systems and the duration of activity, stating they “now anticipate a well below-normal season.” A day …
Hanford Sentinel
Forecasters further downgrade hurricane season to ‘well below-normal’
After months of predicting a “below normal” hurricane season, weather researchers at Colorado State University further downgraded their forecast on Tuesday and now expect even fewer tropical storms than average to form in the Atlantic this year. Forecasters now anticipate…
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