Forecasters predict that warmer waters in the Pacific Ocean could result in fewer hurricanes than average this season.

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated last month that there would be between eight and 14 named storms including between three and six hurricanes, of which between one and three are expected to be major hurricanes, during the 2026 Atlantic season, which started yesterday and runs until November 30.

The modern average for hurricane season is 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three that produce at least Category 3 winds.

The NOAA said the Atlantic Ocean was forecast to be warmer than usual this year, but El Niño — the warming of waters in the Eastern and Central Pacific — conditions were expected to strengthen during this period and hinder storm growth.

The Weather Channel also predicted a quieter-than-average hurricane season this year, forecasting 12 named storms including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

A total of 13 named storms formed in the Atlantic and four approached the island in 2025.

A tropical storm warning was issued in Bermuda for Hurricane Erin in August 2025 and hurricane watches were in effect for hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which hit the island on September 30 and October 2 respectively.

Bermuda was also affected by Hurricane Melissa, which passed about 130 miles northwest of Bermuda on October 31, days after it devastated Jamaica.

While there were five major hurricanes last season, the second-most on record, none struck the United States.

The US-based National Hurricane Centre began incorporating Artificial Intelligence into its forecasts last year.

Wallace Hosgett, NHC science operation officer, said: “More AI-based tools and models are coming and we’re evaluating them all thoroughly for potential integration into forecast operations.

“At NHC, we are just beginning to scratch the surface of how these new models may be used.”

Members up the public can prepare for hurricanes by securing their pets’ homes, stocking up on medications, batteries and fuel, cutting back trees near power lines and ensuring their insurance policies are up to date.

While the hurricane season formally runs from June 1 to November 30, hurricanes can form outside that window.