2026 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the northeastern Gulf and is expected to bring heavy rain, coastal flooding, and tropical storm-force winds to the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana and possibly Texas. A tropical storm watch is in effect for parts of the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana, with impacts anticipated Monday night through midweek.

Forecasters at Colorado State University revised their 2026 Atlantic hurricane season predictions downward, anticipating a below-average season with 4 hurricanes (1 major) and the third-lowest Accumulated Cyclone Energy in 30 years. The forecast cites a strong El Niño as the primary factor, increasing wind shear that inhibits storm development, particularly in the western tropical Atlantic.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been the least active since 2014, with minimal tropical activity despite recent flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur. A developing El Niño and a strong subtropical jet stream are suppressing storm formation, though a small development window off the southeastern U.S. in early July remains under low-probability monitoring.

Tropical Storm Arthur formed in the Gulf of Mexico as the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. It is located 40 miles east-northeast of Port O'Connor, Texas, moving northeast with sustained winds of 40 mph. North Carolina impacts are unlikely.

A storm system along the Gulf Coast could become the first named tropical storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, bringing heavy rainfall and flood risks to Texas and Louisiana. The system, with winds near 30 mph, is expected to strengthen but may not officially be named. Houston, under a flood warning, will host a World Cup match despite the threat.

Tropical storm alerts may be issued in Texas as a developing system, designated Invest 90L, moves into the Gulf. This system marks the first invest of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

The article discusses the outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. ABC News' Ginger Zee is highlighted as the reporter covering the topic.

Colorado State University has released its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, predicting the fewest number of storms since 2019. The forecast is influenced by an anticipated Super El Niño weather pattern. CSU has been a pioneer in early-year hurricane forecasting since 1984.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is releasing its official forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The announcement provides advance predictions about expected hurricane activity for the upcoming season.