The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season is underway, and as we enter the peak months of hurricane activity, ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú encourages all students, faculty, and staff to take the time to prepare and stay informed.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with most hurricane activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October and the climatological peak around September 10.
What Does NOAA Forecast for 2026?
According to the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seasonal outlook, a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season is currently the most likely outcome. NOAA gives a 75% chance of a below-normal season, with a 20% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of an above-normal season.
The updated outlook calls for approximately:
- 7–13 named storms
- 2–6 hurricanes
- 0–2 major hurricanes
These projections are estimates for overall Atlantic basin activity and do not predict whether a particular location, including Florida, will experience a hurricane or tropical storm.
Even during a forecasted below-normal season, hurricanes and tropical storms can still develop and cause significant impacts. For this reason, preparation should always be part of your hurricane-season routine.
How to Prepare
1. Stay Informed
Monitor reliable sources for weather updates and emergency information. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local emergency management officials provide important information before and during tropical weather events.
Avoid relying solely on social media or unofficial sources for emergency information.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Make sure you have essential supplies available before a storm threatens your area. Your emergency kit should include items such as:
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Necessary medications
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Phone chargers or backup power
- Important documents
- Personal hygiene items
Remember that stores and other services may be temporarily unavailable following a major storm.
3. Have an Emergency Plan
Talk with your family or household members about what you will do in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.
Know your evacuation zone, identify possible evacuation locations, and establish a way to communicate if phone or internet services become limited.
4. Monitor MAU Communications
During severe weather, ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú will communicate important information through official university channels.
Students, faculty, and staff should regularly check their MAU email and the university’s official website for announcements regarding:
- Class schedules
- Campus closures
- Changes to university operations
- Remote learning arrangements
- Other emergency instructions
Please do not rely on unofficial messages or social media posts for university operational decisions.
Your Safety Matters
Hurricane preparedness is not only about responding when a storm is approaching. Taking a few simple steps ahead of time can help you and your family respond more effectively if severe weather affects our community.
While seasonal forecasts provide useful information about overall hurricane activity, no forecast can determine exactly where individual storms will travel or make landfall. Staying informed and having a plan are the best ways to prepare.
As members of the MAU community, we encourage everyone to take hurricane preparedness seriously and remain alert throughout the season.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.
ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú (MAU)
Doral, Florida
