The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to experience below-average tropical activity. The season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is forecasted to have between 8 to 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 hurricanes anticipated. This prediction comes with a 55% chance of below-average activity, largely influenced by the expected emergence of El Niño, which is known to suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic. In comparison, an average season typically sees 14 named storms, including 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. The previous season in 2025 recorded 13 named storms, slightly below the long-term average, and notably, there were no landfalling hurricanes in the United States for the first time in a decade. However, the season was still significant, producing three Category 5 hurricanes, including Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage in Jamaica. NOAA emphasizes that while it can predict overall seasonal activity, it does not forecast specific landfall locations or the number of storms that will make landfall.