NOAA forecasts below‑average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

As the United States prepares for hurricane season and a summer of record-breaking heat, experts fear the Trump administration’s cuts to climate and weather data programming could make the federal government’s weather forecasts less reliable when they are needed most.

Just in: NOAA forecasters predict a below-normal 2026 Atlantic #HurricaneSeason: bit.ly/2026Atlantic... @NWSCPC #HurricaneOutlook #WeatherReadyNation noaa.gov

NOAA predicts an active eastern Pacific hurricane season, in large part due to an emerging El Niño, but also record warm sea surface temperatures already in place across the basin. Even glancing blows from decaying storms can bring California lightning sieges, heavy rain and massive waves.

The impending arrival of El Niño will help keep the number of storms low. But it only takes one landfall to create a catastrophe.

NOAA's seasonal hurricane outlook for the Atlantic aggressively points to below normal activity given the growing confidence for a very powerful El Niño. It is crucially important to remember that climate change is supercharging tropical cyclones that DO form, with higher propensity for Cat 4 & 5.

Tomorrow, @noaa.gov releases its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, which officially covers June 1 to November 30.

El Niño is poised to play a large role in the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with @noaa projecting that the odds favor a below average season. www.cnn.com/2026/05/21/w...

Remember, even if the Atlantic hurricane season ends up being below to near normal, it only takes one storm in your community to make it a bad hurricane season for you. Prepare this year like you would any other! 🔗 twitter.com/i/status/205747...

.@noaa.gov has officially released the 2026 hurricane season outlook. 55% chance of a below-average season. Hurricane season begins in 11 days.

ICYMI, NOAA issued its preliminary forecast for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season today. Leans below average and calls for anywhere from 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major (Cat. 3+) hurricanes. For reference, an "average" year sees 14, 6, and 3, respectively.

NOAA's 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts below-average number of storms www.cbsnews.com/news/2026-at...

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters are predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, officials said Thursday. They forecast eight to 14 named storms, with up to three potential Category 3 or higher hurricanes — which have at least 111 miles per hour wind speeds.

Download our 2026 Atlantic #HurricaneSeason Outlook infographics in English and Spanish at: bit.ly/2026Atlantic... @NWSCPC #HurricaneOutlook #WeatherReadyNation

That means the gulf along Mississippi will be great this season, laid back beaches, tons of shops, restaurant's & casinos... people are real friendly down here if you are looking for a place for summer fun... Big jeep event coming up.. abcnews.com/US/2026-hurr...

“Even though we’re expecting a below average season in the Atlantic, it’s very important to understand that it only takes one," said @noaa.gov Administrator Neil Jacobs. eos.org/articles/noa...