2026 Hurricane Season Forecast Review

About this episode

The episode reviews the 2026 hurricane season forecast and discusses the impact of global weather patterns on storm formation.

This week on the Disaster Podcast we take a look at the 2026 hurricane forecast put out by several universities, NOAA, and groups like Accuweather. One key variable in predicting the coming season is the presence or absence of El Niño or La Niña in the equatorial region of the central Pacific Ocean. Dan DePodwin, our disaster weather expert breaks down the coming forecast and talks about how global weather and climate patterns impact storm formation half a world away. Dr. Joe Holley joins the discussion as well and we look at the messaging around hurricanes as they approach landfall. The National Hurricane Center recently updated their forecast cone graphic to make it easier to understand. Dan and Joe share their thoughts about the adjustments and about disaster messaging in general. Joe also shares his thoughts about preparedness for the coming season at the local, state, and federal levels. What to know about the new cone graphic: Incorporates all land-based (coastal and inland) tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Uses single shading for the entire 5-day outlook cone…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jamie Davis, Sam Bradley, Kyle Nelson

Guests: Dan DePodwin, Dr. Joe Holley

Topics covered

• hurricane forecast
• El Niño
• La Niña
• disaster messaging
• storm formation
• preparedness

Keywords

• hurricane season
• forecast
• El Niño
• La Niña
• disaster preparedness
• storm messaging
• National Hurricane Center

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NOAA, Accuweather, National Hurricane Center

Places: central Pacific Ocean, continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

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