2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Names and Naming Process
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is set to begin on June 1 and will run through November 30. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a list of 21 names for potential hurricanes this year, following a tradition that cycles every six years. This list includes names like Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, and Dolly, among others. The naming system, which began in 1953, alternates between traditionally male and female names. The WMO ensures that names are easy to pronounce, short, and culturally appropriate. If more than 21 storms occur, a supplemental list will be used, a change from the previous practice of using the Greek alphabet. The name 'Laura' was retired after the 2020 hurricane season due to the significant impact of Hurricane Laura.