Storm2k numbers poll for 2026 NATL hurricane season will begin on April 1

[cycloneye]

After thinking about when to open the poll for 2026, decided to return to the original date of April 1 and not on march as is the best date to start it. So begin to think of a set of numbers before that date.

[cycloneye]

The first full forecasts for the 2026 NATL hurricane season from TSR will be released on the 7th of April and from CSU will be on the 9th.

[cycloneye]

This 2026 S2K numbers poll will be very interesting because whatever ENSO and the North Atlantic sst's will be doing during the 2 months of the poll being open will atract a good deal of participation and that is why I hope that 100+ participate. AnnularCane, I decided to return to the April 1 original date as the second sunday of March start of last year was a test but I thought it was long the time and begginning on April 1 shortens the time until May 31rst and less members will have preliminary numbers.

If anyone wants to make comments about how the 2026 one will be in terms of numbers and ACE, go ahead.

[sasha_B]

Currently leaning towards a near-average to just-below-normal season by storm count with perhaps slightly above-normal ACE, but that's just playing it safe - it's absolutely too early to say. Anything from a dead season to hyperactivity is well within the range of possibilities, and I'm not convinced by arguments that the recent trend of elevated activity guarantees a big and impactful season any more than I'm convinced by arguments that the likely El Nino will guarantee a 2013-like "least active season in a decade". 12-15 named storms, at least one of which becomes a SSHWS Cat 4, is as bold a prediction as I'm willing to make in February but I'm sure I'll have something more commital to say in April.

[cycloneye]

44 days and counting are left.