NOAA Predicts Quieter Hurricane Season, But Belize Urged to Prepare

With the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season set to officially begin on June 1, new forecasts from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, are predicting a below-normal season this year. But despite the more favorable outlook, authorities are warning Belizeans not to let their guard down.  NOAA says there is a fifty-five percent chance of a below-normal season, a thirty-five percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a ten percent chance of an above-normal season. Forecasters are predicting between eight and fourteen named storms, with up to six becoming hurricanes, including as many as three major hurricanes.  For Belize, the forecast comes as NEMO and other emergency agencies continue annual hurricane preparedness activities ahead of the season. Those efforts include shelter inspections, emergency coordination exercises, public awareness campaigns, and evacuation planning for vulnerable communities.  Although forecasters expect El Niño conditions to help suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin, NOAA says warmer sea surface temperatures could still fuel dangerous storms. Officials stress that it only takes one hurricane to cause devastating damage.  Today, Love News spoke with several Belize City residents who shared how prepared they feel heading into the upcoming hurricane season.

NOAA says it is also introducing new technologies this year to improve storm forecasting and public warnings, including enhanced satellite systems, artificial intelligence-based forecasting models, hurricane hunter drone technology, and improved flood mapping tools.  The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 through to November 30.