Dr. Philip Klotzbach, a prominent hurricane specialist, along with his meteorologist team at Colorado State University, are known for their annual tropical weather outlooks that are issued during the spring and summer. They are anticipating that we will have somewhat below-normal activity in 2026. The meteorologists are forecasting a below-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean. They are forecasting 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.
In a press release issued on May 21, 2026, forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
The 2026 Tropical Cyclone names, chosen by the World Meteorological Organization are: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.
Photo courtesy of NOAA Satellites