2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecasts Below-Average Activity Due to El Niño
Colorado State University has released its first major outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a near- or below-average season with fewer hurricanes than typical. The forecast anticipates 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes, influenced by a developing El Niño. El Niño, characterized by warming waters in the Pacific, is expected to increase atmospheric wind shear, reducing storm formation in the Atlantic. The forecast suggests a lower chance of hurricanes impacting the U.S., but experts warn that even a single storm can be devastating. The season officially starts on June 1, with most activity expected from mid-August to mid-October.