NOAA to Release 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Amid El Niño Concerns
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is set to release its official 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET during a news conference at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, Florida. This forecast will provide insights into the expected activity for the Atlantic, central, and eastern Pacific hurricane seasons. Early predictions from Colorado State University suggest a below-average Atlantic season, with six hurricanes anticipated, two of which may reach Category 3 or higher. Key factors influencing the forecast include sea-surface temperatures, the development of the El Niño pattern, and atmospheric conditions. Historically, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with an average of 14 tropical storms and seven hurricanes annually. El Niño, which is currently developing, is expected to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic while potentially increasing activity in the Pacific.