Forecasters with the NOAA National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for the central Pacific basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 hurricane season,

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association expect eight to 14 named storms to develop during the 2026 hurricane season, which begins on June 1. Up to three could become major hurricanes.

NOAA’s seasonal outlook gives a 55% chance of a below average season for the Atlantic. The agency forecasts 8 to 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 likely to become hurricanes.

NOAA released its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook on Thursday, predicting below-average tropical activity.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects eight to 14 named storms, with potential for one to three of them to become major hurricanes.

A strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to develop and intensify during the 2026 hurricane season, which could suppress the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes.