Photo: NOAA
A below-normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA released the outlook Thursday and predicts between 8-14 named storms during the season, which officially runs from June 1st through November 30th.
Forecasters say 3-6 of those storms could strengthen into hurricanes. Officials also expect 1-3 major hurricanes, which are category 3 or higher, during the period.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”
The outlook comes as the first tropical wave of the 2025 hurricane season recently moved off the coast of Africa. As of Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center says tropical development was next expected over the next seven days.
Copyright © 2026 TTWN Media Networks Inc.