California Today

NOAA Predicts Below-Average Atlantic Hurricane Season Due to Strong El Niño

21 May 2026 09:25

NOAA predicts a below-average Atlantic hurricane season due to a strong El Niño, but warns that even one storm can cause devastation. - 55% chance of below-average season with 8-14 named storms.

- El Niño creates wind shear that disrupts storm formation. - Global damage from tropical cyclones has increased tenfold since the 1980s.

- Pacific regions face increased storm activity due to El Niño. Despite the forecast, experts caution that a single hurricane can be catastrophic, as seen with Hurricane Melissa in 2025.

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