ORLANDO, Fla. – Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday released their prediction for the 2026 hurricane season.
NOAA expects eight to 14 named storms, three to six of which are predicted to become hurricanes, with one to three of those becoming major (at least Category 3 and 111 mph winds).
An average season consists of 14 named storms, seven becoming hurricanes, and three becoming major.
A strong El Niño is expected to drive the 2026 hurricane season.
Typically, El Niño lowers overall activity in the Atlantic basin during hurricane season thanks to stronger-than-normal upper-level wind shear. This helps to tear tropical systems apart.
When it comes to El Niño itself, one of the strongest on record is possible later in the summer.
It’s important to note that even in a “slow” hurricane season, it only takes one storm to make it a bad year, and it is always important to be prepared.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.