NOAA issues 2026 hurricane forecast as storm season nears

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNOAA predicts the Atlantic will see 8 to 14 named storms (Getty Images)The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a calmer-than-normal Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30, but an above-normal eastern Pacific season for this year.A strong "super" El Niño climate pattern is expected to suppress hurricane development over the Atlantic Ocean while increasing conditions for storms in the eastern Pacific, contributing to a 70 percent chance of above-normal activity there.NOAA predicts the Atlantic will see 8 to 14 named storms, which have winds of 39 mph or higher. Between 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes with winds 74 mph or higher, including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. The eastern Pacific is predicted to see 9 to 14 hurricanes, including 5 to 9 major hurricanes, with potential impacts on Hawaii and sometimes the West Coast.Record-warm ocean temperatures, linked to climate change, are causing rapid intensification of storms, with systems potentially becoming major hurricanes within days, prompting officials to urge early preparation for non-perishable food, supplies, and medicine.In fullForecasters say this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be calmer than typical - but the Pacific coast isn’t as luckyThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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