June 1st marks the official start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season , which will run until November 30th.

Forecasters predict this season will be slightly less active than usual. According to the  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 's forecast , there is a 55% chance it will be a below-average season.

In a press conference on May 21, NOAA gave details about its forecast:

• Between 8 and 14 named storms are expected
• Between 3 and 6 hurricanes are expected
• Between 1 and 3 hurricanes are expected to become major cyclones (category 3 to 5).

NOAA explain that the anticipated development of a strong or even "superior" El Niño pattern towards the end of summer will impact this period of cyclonic activity.

The 2026 hurricane season is now here, and NB6 meteorologist Ryan Phillips breaks down the forecast, which has the potential to be the quietest season in over a decade.

For 2026, the National Hurricane Center (NHC ) release the following names for storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulett, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) determined that the hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30 because 97% of cyclonic activity in the Atlantic occurs during these months, although cyclones can form outside of these dates.

Climatology data from the NHC, dating from 1944 to 2020, show that the peak of tropical storm formation in the Atlantic, including hurricanes, has been in the month of September over a period of 100 years.

Forecasts are becoming more accurate thanks to new technology, and artificial intelligence is now playing a growing role in predicting storm paths, intensity and flooding risks. NBC6 meteorologist Ryan Phillips explains.

Avoid waiting until the last moment to prepare for a potential storm. Stock up on disaster supplies while there are still items available and review your insurance policy in advance, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Have an evacuation plan in case your area is affected. If you are at risk of being hit by a hurricane, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to start planning where you will go and how you will get there. You don't need to travel hundreds of miles.

When storm surge threat becomes real, evacuation orders are not suggestions, but are live-saving instructions. NBC6 meteorologists Llarisa Abreu explains the importance of knowing your flood zone. 

Miami-Dade:   https://www.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/hurricane/storm-surge-zones.page

Broward :  https://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/Evacuations.aspx

Monroe:  https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/897/Evacuation-Information

Palm Beach:  https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Know-Your-Zone.aspx

NBC6’s team of meteorologists has an unparalleled tool to monitor any threat that comes from the tropics, First Alert Live Doppler Radar. We are the only team with this tool, capturing instantaneous information that gives our forecasts a great sense of immediacy.

First Alert Live Doppler Radar monitors the skies in real-time from beyond central Florida, south to the Florida Keys, and even across portions of the Bahamas.

In the case of tropical systems, we will be able to clearly see inside of them, reaching the center of circulation or “eye.” We’ll know just how intense the rain is around them, how serious the potential for flooding is and calculate the degree of danger of the winds.  All of which we can communicate immediately, to help keep you and your family safe through the season.

Follow our  hurricane season coverage here.

While many people know the basics of what goes into a hurricane kit, but during a hurricane, the real challenge comes from power outages. Meteorologist Adam Berg explains the need for a power plan