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A below-average Atlantic hurricane season is being predicted by one forecast.
Researchers at Colorado State University released their initial hurricane forecast for 2026 Thursday. It predicts there will be 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major storms of Category 3 or higher.
The team believes El Niño conditions will be the "dominant factor" for the upcoming season, leading to increased levels of wind shear in the tropical Atlantic.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Hurricane Center will release their outlooks next month.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30.
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