Forecasters expecting below-normal hurricane season this year.

Today, June 1, is the official start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season, with forecasters expecting a below-normal season this year.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration predicts a total of eight to 14 named storms, three to six of which could become hurricanes, while AccuWeather forecasts 11 to 16 named storms, including four to seven hurricanes. 

AccuWeather says some of these storms could make landfall in the U.S. 

An average season has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.

As of now, massive plumes of Sahara dust are moving across the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The dust is expected to eventually spread into the Southeast and potentially parts of the Southern Plains.

While Sahara dust does not have a direct impact on most people, thick layers can create noticeably hazy skies and produce exceptionally vibrant sunrises and sunsets.