The start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is days away, starting June 1 and running through Nov. 30.

June 20 is the average date the first named storm of the season forms. But storms can form earlier than that, and they have in recent years.

The average date the first hurricane forms is August 11. The first major hurricane, Category 3 or stronger with 111+ mph winds, typically forms Sept 1.

Predictions from NOAA call for a below-normal season but it only takes one storm to make a season impactful.

Plan and prepare as you would for any other season.

Here’s a look back at the last three hurricane seasons: