Overview
- Mexico’s weather service issued the official 2026 forecast calling for 29–36 tropical systems and 5–7 major hurricanes, which are Category 3–5 storms on the Saffir–Simpson scale.
- The Pacific is projected to be busier with 18–21 systems and 4–5 major hurricanes, while the Atlantic is forecast for 11–15 systems with 1–2 majors.
- The SMN says El Niño has a 61% chance to develop between May and July and could strengthen during August to October, so seasonal numbers may be updated as conditions evolve.
- Protección Civil reports reinforced monitoring, early warning, river cleanups, slope stabilization and training to reduce the risk of flooding, landslides and dangerous surf.
- The season starts May 15 in the Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic and runs through November 30, with 2026 storm name lists published for both basins.