Miami, FL – NOAA released its official 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook on Thursday, May 21, predicting a below-normal season while still warning coastal residents to remain prepared for dangerous storms.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has a 55% chance of being below normal, a 35% chance of near-normal activity, and only a 10% chance of above-normal activity.
Forecasters predict between 8 and 14 named storms this season, with 3 to 6 expected to become hurricanes. NOAA said 1 to 3 of those storms could strengthen into major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.
NOAA officials said weaker atmospheric conditions tied to the ongoing neutral ENSO pattern, combined with less favorable tropical development conditions, contributed to the lower forecast. However, forecasters emphasized that even a quieter season can still produce destructive storms.
The National Weather Service office in Miami reminded residents Thursday that “it only takes one storm to make it an impactful year,” urging families across hurricane-prone regions to review emergency plans before the season begins.
NOAA also released the official 2026 Atlantic tropical cyclone name list, which starts with Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, and Gonzalo before continuing through Wilfred.
Officials encouraged residents along the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and Caribbean regions to monitor forecasts regularly and prepare emergency supply kits ahead of the start of hurricane season next month.
