Hurricane season 2026: Here are this year’s storm names

The Atlantic hurricane season is officially on the horizon, running from June 1 through Nov. 30. As we prepare for the coming months, NOAA has released its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, which points toward a below-average year for tropical activity.

2026 Forecast Expectations

According to the latest projections from NOAA, the season is expected to bring 8-14 named storms. This includes 3-6 hurricanes and 1-3 major hurricanes that reach Category 3 strength or higher. For context, an average season typically features 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

Tracking the Names

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) maintains the official list of storm names, which follows a six-year rotation cycle. That means the names appearing in 2026 are the same ones we saw back in 2020.

However, eagle-eyed observers will notice a fresh addition to the list this year. The WMO retired three names following the record-breaking 2020 season—which saw 30 named storms in total—due to the deadly and destructive nature of those specific events.

Retirements and Replacements

The name Laura was retired after the Category 4 hurricane devastated Louisiana on Aug. 27, 2020, with 150 mph winds. The storm was responsible for more than 70 deaths across the U.S. and the Caribbean. As a result, "Leah" has replaced "Laura" on the 2026 list.

Additionally, the names Eta and Iota, which were part of the supplemental list utilized after the traditional list was exhausted in 2020, have also been retired.