Updated 2026 hurricane outlook trends down as El Niño is officially declared

Colorado State University's June 2026 Atlantic hurricane forecast predicts reduced activity, with 11 named storms and 5 hurricanes, below the 30-year average, due to El Niño conditions. El Niño is expected to increase wind shear, suppressing storm formation, and the odds of a major hurricane hitting the U.S. are projected to drop to 23%. NOAA and the National Weather Service confirmed El Niño's presence, citing record warmth in the Nino 3.4 region.