Hurricane Season 2026 is Coming Soon: How Should You Prepare?

Among the highlights of this year’s hurricane predictions, find out how a potential “super El Niño” and the National Weather Service’s updated tracking capabilities will impact storm planning. For this hurricane season (June 1 – Nov. 30), AccuWeather is forecasting 11-16 named storms, four to seven hurricanes, and two to four major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Up to five of these storms are likely to have direct impacts to the U.S., such as tropical-storm-force winds, or significant flooding. While this always the time to prepare for severe weather and its direct and indirect effects on the organization, 2026 is shaping up to be below-average compared to recent years, in part because of a high likelihood of strong El Niño conditions. A strong El Niño warms the Pacific and creates a wind shear in the Atlantic – so its timing during the summer and into the fall can lead to weaker and fewer hurricanes. In fact, there is currently a 1-in-3 chance of a “super El Niño” by the fall, with water temperatures being at least 2°C (3.6°F) above average over several months. However, the AccuWeather prediction also cautioned against other potential factors, including:

• Storms forming closer to the U.S. in the Gulf or off the East Coast leaving less time for preparation and evacuation
• Bermuda High Position: A high atmospheric position in Bermuda, which could steer storms into high-risk areas along the southeast

To help communities prepare effectively, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has unveiled its latest improvements to the Tropical Cyclone Forecast Cone. After a successful 2025 test, it will now incorporate tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings as far as five days out for the continental U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This tracking data will be available at www.hurricanes.gov.