By Zoila Palma: Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing the expected development of El Niño conditions during the months ahead.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.
NOAA’s outlook projects a 55 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season.
Forecasters expect between 8 and 14 named storms this year, with 3 to 6 likely becoming hurricanes, including 1 to 3 major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or higher. An average Atlantic season typically produces 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.
“With the most advanced forecast modeling and hurricane tracking technologies, NOAA and the National Weather Service are prepared to deliver real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said new technologies such as AI-based weather models, drones, and next-generation satellite data will strengthen forecasting capabilities this season.
“These new capabilities, combined with the unmatched expertise of our National Weather Service forecasters, will produce the most accurate forecasts possible to protect communities in harm’s way,” Jacobs stated.
Forecasters explained that while El Niño conditions typically suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic, warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures and weaker trade winds could still support storm formation.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said Ken Graham.
Graham urged residents to review hurricane preparedness plans early, stressing that “it only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”
NOAA also announced several new forecast and communication tools for the 2026 season, including enhanced hurricane cone graphics, improved storm surge products, and the integration of uncrewed aircraft data into hurricane forecast models.
The post NOAA predicts below-normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing the expected development of El Niño conditions during the months ahead. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. NOAA’s outlook projects a 55 percent chance of a
The post NOAA predicts below-normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.