2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Early work includes clearing vegetation and inspecting power lines.

A developing El Niño could affect Florida in two major ways: fewer Atlantic hurricanes, followed by a wetter, stormier winter with greater severe weather risk. NOAA says El Niño over a 60% chance of developing in summer 2026, with a 1-in-3 chance of becoming strong by late fall.

Forecasters expect tropical cyclone activity could resemble seasons in 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2023. El Nino plays a prominent role in each of the seasons.

Researchers looked at 1,600 storms that made landfall since 1981 and found those that went over extra-hot water were more likely to intensify rapidly, resulting in 60% more disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damage when they hit land.

La Niña officially emerged in September 2025 and lasted until April. Neutral conditions are present, but an El Niño is expected to emerge later in 2026.

Colorado State University is one of the most highly revered names in hurricane forecasting, and for Florida, that matters. Here’s why a landlocked university has become so influential for a state that sees more hurricane hits than any other.

Colorado State University’s 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook calls for below-normal activity across the Atlantic basin due to a likely transition into an El Niño.

The $800,000 from FEMA will go toward rebuilding the pier and marina while creating a permanent dock for the Clearwater Ferry.

The conference is one of the largest aimed at preparing for hurricane season, which begins June 1. A task force report on potential reforms to the agency also remains on hold.

AccuWeather is forecasting fewer tropical storms than in recent years, in large part due to wind shear arriving with an El Niño expected later in the season. At the same time, they worry that record-warm Gulf waters may fuel hurricanes strong enough to overpower that wind shear

The National Hurricane Center is rolling out upgraded products for the 2026 hurricane season, including a redesigned cone graphic, new storm surge tools and improved access for mobile users.

Phil Klotzbach is one of the preeminent tropical storm forecasters and, in person, he's clearly a hurricane encyclopedia.