NOAA Predicts Below‑Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Urges Community Preparedness

NOAA released a seasonal outlook stating the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season will be below‑normal, with the total number of named storms expected to fall below the long‑term average for the basin.

Forecast Basis points to cooler sea surface temperatures and a shift in atmospheric circulation patterns across the tropical Atlantic as the primary reasons for the reduced storm potential this year.

Community Guidance from NOAA and partner agencies urges residents to keep evacuation routes clear, maintain emergency supply kits, monitor local alerts, and review FEMA disaster assistance information even though overall storm frequency is expected to be lower.

Risk Management notes that insurers and emergency planners will adjust risk models and resource allocations, referencing the recent Global Weather Hazards Summary that still highlighted significant flood threats in Caribbean and Gulf Coast regions despite the quieter hurricane outlook.