CSU Forecast Predicts Quieter 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
PUBLISHED Apr 9, 2026, 11:14 AM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
West Palm Beach. Colorado State University released its initial 2026 Atlantic hurricane forecast on April 9, predicting 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes, numbers below 30-year averages; forecasters attributed the outlook primarily to a projected transition from La Niña to El Niño. Coastal residents were reminded this week that a single landfalling storm can cause significant damage; CSU scheduled its next forecast update for June 10, and officials noted mixed sea-surface temperatures and potentially strong El Niño development could still alter season activity.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Early 2026: La Niña conditions present across the Pacific.
- April 8–9, 2026: NOAA monitoring notes La Niña weakens; ENSO transition begins.
- April 9, 2026: CSU issues initial forecast (13 named, 6 hurricanes, 2 major).
- April 9, 2026: Dr. Phil Klotzbach presents forecast at National Tropical Weather Conference.
- June 10, 2026: CSU scheduled to release updated seasonal forecast.
News Intelligence
- A quieter hurricane season is good news for coastal residents. But remember, even one storm can cause serious damage. Check your home insurance policy. Make sure you're covered for hurricane damage.
- Articles Published:
- 8
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 8
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
Meteorological agencies and emergency planners benefit from earlier seasonal guidance to prepare resources and public messaging.
Coastal residents and local businesses remain vulnerable to a single impactful landfalling storm despite overall lower seasonal activity forecasts.
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