NOAA predicts a below-average Atlantic hurricane season with eight to 14 named storms expected through November.
The anticipated return of El Niño, and its potential to become historically strong, is driving this forecast.
Ocean temperatures that can fuel storms remain warmer than normal but below the record levels seen in recent years. However, they typically peak around August, so months of warming are ahead.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
Time is ticking down to the June 1 start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s first forecast for it is finalized.
