What forecasters expect this hurricane season, as Tropical Storm Bertha edges along

Atlantic forecasters are entering the heart of hurricane season with a mixed outlook: one weather pattern could keep the number of storms down, but ocean temperatures are still warm enough to support dangerous systems.

According to a monitored public feed from NPR News, El Niño may curb how many Atlantic storms organize this year. The pattern can make conditions less favorable for tropical development in the basin, which could reduce the overall count of storms forming.

At the same time, forecasters are still watching unusually warm waters. Those elevated temperatures can provide extra fuel for storms that do form, increasing the risk that a smaller number of systems could still become destructive. In other words, a quieter season on paper would not necessarily mean a low-risk season for coastal communities.

The update comes as Tropical Storm Bertha edges along, a reminder that even early or weaker storms can draw attention during a season shaped by competing climate signals. With one factor pointing toward reduced activity and another favoring stronger storms, the outlook remains uncertain.

For residents in hurricane-prone areas, the mixed forecast underscores the importance of preparation regardless of how many named storms are eventually recorded. The overall season may be influenced by El Niño, but warm Atlantic waters keep the possibility of damaging storms very much alive.

This report is based on a monitored public feed and includes attribution to NPR News near the end of the article.

Source: NPR News - https://www.npr.org/2026/07/22/nx-s1-5902142/tropical-storm-bertha-hurricane-season