First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released

U.S. First major 2026 Atlantic hurricane forecast predicts slightly below-average season By Emily Mae Czachor Emily Mae Czachor News Editor Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She typically covers breaking news, extreme weather and issues involving social justice. Emily Mae previously wrote for outlets like the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek. Read Full Bio Emily Mae Czachor April 9, 2026 / 10:00 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Fewer storms than usual may develop during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, researchers say, as climate patterns seem poised to favor slightly below-average activity compared with a typical year.That prediction anchors the latest annual hurricane forecast from Colorado State University's Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling and Software team, which was released Thursday. The team historically provides some of the earliest insights into what to expect from an upcoming season. Another key outlook will be released next month by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Colorado State University's team of experts estimate that 2026 will see 13 named storms develop in the Atlantic basin, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes (defined as a Category 3 or higher). They could occur at any point in the season, which officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, although activity typically peaks between August and October.The team acknowledges their April forecast is preliminary, and, like NOAA's, will be updated once hurricane season is underway. But their initial prediction is still closely monitored each year by leaders and residents of hurricane-prone states — especially Florida and states along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard — readying themselves for the possibilities ahead."We always recommend, to coastal residents, to prepare the same way for every season," Delián Colón-Burgos, who co-authored the forecast, told CBS News. "Putting t...