2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

In Florida, hurricane danger does not begin at landfall. Outer bands, tornadoes, and worsening travel conditions can start hours earlier, making timing one of the most important parts of storm preparation.

The remnants of a cold front could leave enough energy behind over the western Atlantic to ignite tropical storm activity east of Florida. What are the chances of this system developing, and where could it go?

Florida has historically seen limited tropical impacts during July. Tropical Storm Elsa impacted the region in 2021 and Hurricane Dennis made landfall in 2005.

Tropical Storm Arthur was short lived, lasting only about 6 hours. But forecasters are watching for increased flooding rain and storm chances across parts of Florida later this week.

Arthur became the first named system of the season, but in less than 6 hours after being named, it moved over land in Texas. The flash flood threat continues for the next couple of days across the Southeast.

Forecasters say Arthur could generate life-threatening flash floods along the northern Gulf Coast. But it is not expected to strengthen further.

An El Niño has formed amid the warmer-than-normal waters in the tropical Pacific. Now it's a question of how intense the phenomenon will be and where effects like heat and drought will strike.

Heavy rains threaten the Gulf Coast states, from Southeast Texas through the Deep South. Heavy rains could affect parts of the western Florida Panhandle.

Colorado State lowers its 2026 hurricane season forecast due to a strong El Niño developing during the season. What does this mean?

Since reliable global temperature records began in the 1950s, Earth's warmest years have occurred during El Niño events, while the coolest years have typically coincided with La Niña conditions.

In Florida, the forecast cone is only part of the story. Hurricane impacts can extend far beyond the center track — reaching inland through wind, flooding, and tornadoes.

Florida has seen just six June hurricane strikes since 1851, with no system stronger than a Category 2 hurricane.