Researchers at Colorado State University released their 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast Thursday morning, and are calling for slightly below normal activity.
The forecast calls for 13 named storms. Of those 13 storms, 6 are expected to become hurricanes and 2 are expected to reach major hurricane strength (category 3 or higher). This is slightly below average due to a developing El Niño.
2025’s Atlantic hurricane season had 13 total storms, with 5 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.
The Climate Prediction Center released the latest ENSO update on April 6, 2026. The latest data shows that La Niña is present. However, a transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral is expected to occur over the next month, with ENSO-neutral conditions favored through May-July 2026 (55% chance).
June-August 2026, an El Niño is likely to emerge (62% chance) and persist through at least the end of 2026. El Niño limits development of tropical systems.
Here is the list of names being used for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, last used in 2020. Leah is the only new name on the list after Laura was retired for causing extensive death and destruction in Louisiana in August 2020.
The CSU forecast is the first seasonal forecast released. NOAA will distribute their initial 2026 outlook in May.
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Meteorologist Stacy Lynn
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