NOAA Predicts 55% Chance of Below-Normal 2026 Season

June 1st officially kicked off the Atlantic hurricane season, which got me thinking about something I used to wonder about constantly as a kid. Every single year, I would stare at the storm lists just wishing my name would pop up. I know it’s a little silly to want a massive weather event named after you, but I always wondered, how do they actually choose these names?

Turns out, getting your name on the big board isn't easy. There is a serious, scientific method to the madness, and it’s all run by the World Meteorological Organization to keep communication clear when multiple storms are active at once.

The WMO uses a strict system. They maintain six alphabetical lists of 21 names that rotate every six years (meaning this year's list will circle back in 2032). They alternate male and female names, but they completely skip the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z because there just aren't enough culturally suitable names for those tough letters.

Also, if a storm is incredibly devastating or costly, that name gets retired out of respect and replaced. And if we happen to blast through all 21 names in a wild season, they now use a supplemental list instead of the Greek alphabet.

The good news for us here in the Ark-La-Tex? NOAA is actually predicting a below-normal season this year, giving it a 55% chance of being quieter than usual. They’re forecasting 8 to 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 becoming hurricanes, and 1 to 3 hitting "major" status. An average season usually sees 14 named storms, so we will gladly take the breather.

Check out the official 2026 lineup below to see if your childhood dream finally came true!