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NOAA Raises Odds of Below-Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
There is some encouraging news for Florida residents and travelers as we head toward the busiest stretch of hurricane season. NOAA has updated its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook and now says there is a 75% chance the season will finish below normal.
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That is an increase from NOAA’s preseason outlook, which called for a 55% chance of a below-normal season. The latest forecast gives a 20% chance of near-normal activity and just a 5% chance of an above-normal season.
NOAA now expects 7 to 13 named storms for the full season, including the two that have already formed, along with 2 to 6 hurricanes and 0 to 2 major hurricanes. Those numbers are slightly lower than the May forecast of 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. A typical Atlantic season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
So far, the 2026 Atlantic season has produced Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha, with no hurricanes recorded through the latest NOAA update. Even with the quieter outlook, hurricane season is far from over. The Atlantic season runs through November 30, with much of the activity typically occurring during August, September, and October.
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For Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando visitors, a below-normal outlook is certainly welcome news, but it does not mean Central Florida is in the clear. Even a single tropical system can disrupt travel, park operations, flights, and cruise itineraries. Guests traveling during hurricane season should continue watching forecasts closely as their vacation approaches.
If you are planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando getaway during hurricane season, contact our partners at Get Away Today to help with your vacation plans and make sure you have the details you need before heading to Orlando.
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
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