Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins, El Niño Expected to Limit Tropical Activity
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins with NOAA and Industrial Info Resources forecasting near- to below-normal activity. While El Niño is expected to suppress storm development, warm Atlantic waters would support tropical cyclone formation and rapid intensification. For energy and industrial operators, risk remains elevated due to the 25 refineries, 14 LNG facilities, along with petrochemical assets, and power infrastructure along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.