The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. However, hurricanes can occur before or after the official season. Several organizations have offered forecasts for this year’s season.
AccuWeather predicts near average to below average hurricane risk with 11 to 16 named storms, 4 to 7 hurricanes and 3 to 5 that will affect the US. The Atlantic is warmer than average, which can strengthen storms quickly. Although El Niño will help dampen the risk of storms, it will take time to fully develop so the early part of the season has a higher risk of storms. El Niño may also raise the risk of more and stronger storms in the Pacific.
Colorado State University has also issued its 2026 hurricane forecast of 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes. They expect it to have below normal activity for the season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will issue its forecast on May 21.
Whether the forecast is for below normal or above normal activity, everyone in areas where there is the potential for a hurricane to land needs to prepare as early as possible. During NOAA’s Hurricane Preparedness week of May 3-9, 2026, they offered information about knowing your risk, preparing before the season, what to do during and after a storm, and more.
Did you ever wonder who names the hurricanes? It is an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. The list of 21 names is rotated every six years so the names on the list in 2020 will be used this year, 2026. The only exception is that the name ‘Laura’ was removed and replaced with ‘Leah.’ This was due to the fact that Laura caused a great deal of death and damage. When this occurs the name is removed from the list.
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