The official hurricane prediction for the 2026 season has warned that millions of Americans need to review their preparedness plans now.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said Thursday that although this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be below normal, past seasons with lower-than-average activity have still produced devastating Category 5 storms that made landfall.
Forecasters said several competing weather patterns are expected to shape this year’s season.
While El Niño is forecast to strengthen during the coming months, a climate pattern that typically suppresses hurricane activity, unusually warm Atlantic waters and weaker-than-average trade winds could still help fuel storm development.
NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said: ‘Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold.
‘That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season. Preparing now for hurricane season, and not waiting for a storm to threaten, is essential for staying ahead of any storm.’
NOAA’s outlook shows three to six hurricanes with wind speeds above 74mph and one to three major hurricanes with winds exceeding 111mph.
The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30.
The official hurricane prediction for the 2026 season has warned that millions of Americans need to review their preparedness plans now
The first named Atlantic Tropical Cyclone on the list is Arthur, followed by Bertha, Cristobal and Dolly.
NOAA said there is a 55 percent chance the Atlantic hurricane season will be below average this year, though forecasters also warned there remains a 10 percent chance activity could rise above normal.
AccuWeather released its 2026 hurricane outlook in March, urging millions of Americans, particularly in Virginia, the Carolinas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, to start preparing for potentially devastating weather, as even a small number of hurricanes could be deadly and cause billions of dollars in damage.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said: ‘There is no reason to let your guard down this year. It only takes one storm to cause major damage, disruption and heartache.
‘Review your insurance coverage, safety plans, and local evacuation routes now. Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked up.’
NOAA officials echoed the statements, urging residents at the highest risk of being in the path of hurricanes to begin stocking up on emergency supplies, including gas, food, water and other essentials, before long lines form during an actual emergency.
While the Atlantic is likely to see a quiet season, NOAA warned the outlook for the Pacific is quite the opposite.
The first named Atlantic Tropical Cyclone on the list is Arthur, followed by Bertha, Cristobal and Dolly
AccuWeather released its 2026 hurricane outlook in March, urging millions of Americans, particularly in Virginia, the Carolinas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, to start preparing. Pictured is Virginia during hurricane Erin in 2025
The agency is forecasting an above-normal 2026 hurricane season for the eastern Pacific, with forecasters placing the odds of heightened activity at 70 percent.
Officials said there is a 20 percent chance of a near-normal season and only a 10 percent chance that conditions will fall below average.
The outlook predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, including nine to 14 hurricanes and five to nine major hurricanes, defined as Category 3 storms or stronger.
The forecast sits well above the historical averages of 15 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes recorded between 1991 and 2020.
Forecasters also expect Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), a measure used to estimate the overall strength and duration of storms during a season, to range from 120 percent to 190 percent of the median.
Homes were leveled after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on September 28, 2024
The eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 through November 30, with activity typically peaking between July and September.
The region covers the eastern North Pacific Ocean east of 140 degrees west longitude and north of the equator.
NOAA also warned that the central Pacific is likely to experience above-normal storm activity this year. The agency predicts between five and 13 combined named storms and tropical depressions in the region, compared to the historical average of 4.4 storms.
