Below-average Atlantic hurricane season likely in 2026 due to El Niño; here's what first forecast predicts
Mint·2h ago·Neutral
What Happened
Colorado State University forecasters predict the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season will fall below historical averages due to expected El Niño formation. They forecast 13 named tropical storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. This contrasts with the 1991-2020 average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. El Niño creates wind patterns that suppress hurricane development. Cooler sea temperatures in the eastern tropical Atlantic may further limit storm formation.
Key Entities
Colorado State University2026 Atlantic hurricane seasonEl NiñoClimate Prediction CenterFloridaGulf Coast