Colorado State University issues first 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast

Why is the 2026 season forecast to be less active than average?

The main reason cited is the expected development of El Niño, which typically raises vertical wind shear over the Atlantic and makes it harder for tropical systems to organize and strengthen, especially during the peak of the season mySA,Reuters,TV Azteca,WRAL.

What numbers are forecasters predicting for 2026?

CSU forecast 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes for the Atlantic basin in 2026, which several reports describe as slightly below average compared with a typical season Aol,20 minutos,CNN Español,NOLA.

Does a below-average forecast mean the U.S. is safe from hurricane impacts?

No. Coverage of the forecast notes that CSU still puts the chance of at least one major U.S. landfall at 32%, and forecasters stressed that one storm can still cause major damage even in a quieter season overall Daily Mail,Newsweek,Weather Network.