National Hurricane Center Unveils New Forecast Cone for 2026 Season
The National Hurricane Center is introducing a revamped track forecast cone graphic for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, starting June 1, 2026. This new graphic, which has undergone a two-year experimental phase, aims to enhance communication about storm risks and hazards. The previous version, known as the 'cone of uncertainty,' was often misunderstood as it only depicted the likely path of the storm's center, without illustrating the full range of impacts such as high winds and rain. The updated graphic will now include inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings for the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, using bright colors to better convey wind risks and the extent of hazards beyond the cone. According to USA Today, the changes are part of a continuous improvement process to ensure better public understanding and preparedness. 
