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Where are the storms? More are coming, hurricane outlook says
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing its slowest start since 2009, with only two named storms, Arthur and Bertha, both forming in the Gulf of Mexico, and no tropical storms currently active as of early August.
- Forecasters, including Colorado State University and NOAA, predict a below-average season with nine named storms and four hurricanes, one potentially reaching major Category 3 status, largely influenced by a strong El Niño event suppressing Atlantic storm development.
- Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and increased wind shear from El Niño are creating hostile conditions for hurricane formation, especially in the Caribbean and main hurricane development regions.
- Despite the quiet start, experts caution that the peak hurricane season runs from mid-August to mid-October, and the season could still produce significant storms, although the overall activity is expected to be less intense than in recent years.
- In contrast, the eastern Pacific hurricane season is more active due to El Niño, with seven named storms, including two hurricanes, already recorded by early August.
