S.C. forecasters predict below-average activity for coming hurricane season

MORNING HEADLINES | The first outlook from Colorado State University for the 2026 hurricane season suggests that the Atlantic basin could be in store for below-average activity, with 13 named storms, six of which are expected to become hurricanes and two reaching major hurricane status.

Forecasters expect the status of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation to provide major clues as to which basins around the world will be active and which ones will have suppressed activity. El Niño events are known to increase wind shear across the Atlantic basin, which can disrupt the organization of developing cyclones.

During an average season, 14 named storms form, with seven becoming hurricanes and three reaching major status, so this year’s expectations aren’t too far off from average, but the outlook represents the quietest forecast since 2019.

The newly released outlook also highlights reduced probabilities of landfalling cyclones along the U.S. coastline, which, if it were to come to fruition, would mark the second year in a row without a major tropical impact.

For the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula, the probability drops to 15%, compared to a historical average of 21%.

In today’s issue of the Charleston City Paper

CP OPINION: ‘Union Pier University’ teaches the right way to develop in Charleston. “As residents old and new could — and will, if given half a chance — tell you, there really is something unique about Charleston. Something that makes its Old World streets and alleys not just improbably beautiful, but happily livable as well.”

CP CARTOON: Ariail: One exception
CP CARTOON: War is hell

CP FEATURE: Charleston business’ resident felines greet guests with furry faces. The age-old hardware store cat is a beloved and familiar tale of fluffy store managers, diligent mousers and friendly greeters, often becoming local celebrities. At several local shops and spots, guests are welcomed, delighted and sometimes surprised by a friendly meow.

CP NEWS: Junior League stirs Gullah roots into iconic Lowcountry cookbook. The cover of Charleston Receipts latest edition hasn’t changed much since its debut 75 years ago, but inside, the cookbook offers an homage to the culinary skills of Black cooks who inspired Lowcountry foodways.

CP NEWS: Charleston County Main Library renovations set for 2026. The South Carolina Room at the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will close temporarily for eight to 10 weeks beginning May 1 as the Calhoun Street library prepares for renovations later this year.

CP NEWS: Legal access group lends hand to hospitality workers. Charleston prides itself on good food, good shopping and good people. Named “the South’s best city” by Southern Living for a decade straight, the Holy City continues to grow as a top tourist destination. At the heart of its growth are the hospitality workers that make the city go ‘round.

CP FOOD: Charleston Couple hits the road with chargrilled oysters. Entrepreneurs Derrick’a Calvary and Javone Richardson were driving their new Street Oyster trailer back from Houston when they started receiving calls about where they were going with their shellfish.

CP MUSIC: The Charleston Jazz Festival returns April 10-19. Charleston has a rich jazz tradition. It’s a city where coastal rhythms and Gullah influences have shaped a distinctive Lowcountry sound heard in intimate clubs and historic stages alike.

Find lots of cool stuff to do around Charleston

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