The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has begun, but when will the first storm form? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projected a 'below-normal' scenario. In its seasonal forecast, the NOAA estimated for 2026 a range of eight to 14 named storms, of which three to six could become hurricanes and one to three reach the 'major' category (categories 3, 4 or 5).