The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has produced two named storms before the official June 1 start date — the first time this has occurred in recorded history — as record-warm ocean temperatures supercharge tropical development.
The Storms
Tropical Storm Andrea formed in early April and was followed by Tropical Storm Barry in mid-May. Neither caused significant damage, but their early formation alarms hurricane forecasters.
Season Outlook
Forecasters have increased their season predictions, with some models now projecting 28+ named storms — which would break the all-time record of 30 set in 2020 when Greek alphabet names were used.
- 2 storms before June 1 — first time ever
- Record ocean temperatures driving activity
- 28+ named storms now projected
- Could break 2020 record of 30 storms