Forecast Calls for 11–16 Named Storms, 2-4 Major Atlantic Hurricanes.

The article focuses on AccuWeather's forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a near- to below-historical-average season with 11 to 16 named storms, four to seven hurricanes, and two to four major hurricanes. The forecast attributes reduced storm activity to a developing El Niño, which is expected to increase wind shear and suppress tropical activity, with a 15% chance of a Super El Niño further decreasing storms. Despite fewer storms, unusually warm Atlantic waters raise concerns about rapid storm intensification, particularly affecting the Central and eastern Gulf Coast, the Carolinas, and parts of Virginia, while Central and southern Texas face lower-than-average risk. The season officially begins June 1, with the climatological peak around September 10. [Extracted from the article]