Hurricane season starts today. Here’s what to expect for week 1 and beyond

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has begun, with forecasters predicting below-average activity due to a strengthening El Niño. NOAA and Colorado State University anticipate reduced storm development, particularly in the western Atlantic and Caribbean, as El Niño increases wind shear. However, historical El Niño years like 1965 show hurricanes can still impact the U.S. despite reduced overall activity.