El Niño May Dampen Atlantic Hurricane Season in 2026, NOAA Forecasts
TL;DR
NOAA forecasts a below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026, with a 55% chance of below-normal activity and 8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes, and 1–3 major hurricanes, largely due to a developing El Niño that increases upper-atmosphere wind shear even as sea temperatures remain warm. Forecasters caution that even in a quiet season, a single major hurricane can cause severe damage, and CSU's separate forecast also signals below-active activity. The season runs June 1 to November 30.
Topics:top-newsscience#atlantic-hurricane-season#el-nino#hurricane-forecast#noaa#science#tropical-storm
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- Forecasters Expect Fewer Hurricanes This Year, but There’s a Catch The New York Times
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