Belmopan, May 28, 2026.
Monday, June 1, marks the official start of the 2026 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. However, there are occasions when a tropical cyclone may form outside of this period.
The 2026 forecast suggests that tropical cyclone activity will be slightly below normal in the Atlantic Basin. The prediction is for eight to fourteen named storms. Of those, three to six are expected to become hurricanes, and one to three are expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). An average season in the Atlantic Basin consists of fourteen named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
The two main factors that are likely to influence the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season are:
- There is a high chance that a strong El Niño will develop during the 2026 Hurricane Season. An El Niño typically results in below-normal tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic Basin.
- However, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures are expected in the Atlantic Basin, providing more energy to fuel tropical cyclone development.
Seasonal predictions indicate how active a particular hurricane season is expected to be, but not when a particular hurricane will develop or where it will track once developed. One or more of the 8 to 14 named storms forecasted to develop this season could hit the country, or none at all. Therefore, as a nation located in an area vulnerable to the hazards posed by tropical cyclones, preparations should be made each year, regardless of the forecast.
The team of experts at the National Meteorological Service (NMS) of Belize in the Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management will use all assets at its disposal to monitor and track developing systems and alert the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the general public promptly should any system pose a threat to Belize. NEMO and its Operational Committees at the national, district, and community levels will respond to potential threats with urgency and will activate the National Hurricane Response Plan when needed.
The NMS and NEMO take this opportunity to advise members of the general public to continue their preparations, revise and update their family, business, and individual emergency plans, and be prepared for any eventuality during the 2026 Hurricane Season.
The public is also reminded that it is an offence to share false information. Only official information from the NMS and NEMO should be followed. The public is also urged to access official information via the websites of the National Meteorological Service (www.nms.gov.bz) and the National Emergency Management Organization (www.nemo.org.bz), through the Met Service app. The app is available on Google Play, Apple Store, and the social media pages of both organizations’ Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp channels.
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