Colorado State University has updated its forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a notably quieter year across the basin. Dr. Phil Klotzbach and his research team now forecast 11 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes.

El Niño’s Impact

The university’s initial forecast, released on April 9, predicted a below-average season with 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. However, the latest forecast calls for fewer storms due to the anticipated development of El Niño, which is expected to increase vertical wind shear over the Atlantic, making it harder for tropical systems to organize, strengthen, or survive.

Colorado State University highlights the probabilities of a storm making landfall, broken down by region. The probabilities include a 24% chance of a storm making landfall along the entire U.S. coastline, an 11% chance along the U.S. East Coast, and a 14% chance along the Gulf Coast.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.