CSU predicts below average hurricane season (June 1-Nov. 30)

CSU predicts below average hurricane season (June 1-Nov. 30)

Colorado State University, for the first time since 2015, is predicting a below average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 thru Nov. 30 and peaks on Sept. 10. There were 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes in 2025.
This year’s list of alphabetical hurricane names: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah (replacing Laura), Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.
“We anticipate El Niño being the dominant factor for the upcoming hurricane season, driving increased levels of tropical Atlantic vertical wind shear. As with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season. Thorough preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity,” the CSU report stated.
“While most of our model guidance calls for a slightly to somewhat below-normal season, there remains considerable uncertainty with this outlook given uncertainty in the large-scale environmental conditions that will be present during the peak of the upcoming season.’’
The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing regular Tropical Weather Outlooks on May 15 and its forecast cone will for the first time include tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings for inland areas to enable inland communities to better prepare for the danger posed by tropical cyclone winds.