Forecasters expect slightly fewer hurricanes than usual this year, but the risk of destructive storms is still high
Forecasters predict a slightly below-average hurricane season for 2026, with 8 to 14 named storms expected. Despite this, the risk of destructive hurricanes remains high due to abnormally warm ocean temperatures. Experts emphasize that even weak storms can cause significant inland flooding and damage.
- ▪The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to see 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes.
- ▪Abnormally warm water in the Atlantic increases the likelihood of a major hurricane forming.
- ▪Recent storms have shown that the impacts of hurricanes can extend far inland, causing significant flooding and fatalities.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Weather Forecasters expect slightly fewer hurricanes than usual this year, but the risk of destructive storms is still high May 21, 202612:56 PM ET By Jenny Staletovich , Rebecca Hersher People walk past damage from Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Federal forecasters predict 8 to 14 named storms, including tropical storms and hurricanes, will form in the Atlantic in 2026. Matias Delacroix/AP hide caption toggle caption Matias Delacroix/AP Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center expect slightly fewer storms than average during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. But abnormally warm water in the Atlantic makes it more likely that at least one very large, destructive hurricane will form.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NPR Topics: News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from NPR Topics: News
