Key facts
- The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1.
- An El Nino is expected to cause drier conditions in the Atlantic, suppressing hurricane development.
- NOAA recommends using the IBTrACS dataset for preparation.
- The average date for the first named Atlantic storm is June 20th.
The start of hurricane season can influence energy markets, particularly crude oil and natural gas prices, due to potential disruptions to offshore production and refining infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. Preparedness is key for mitigating potential economic impacts.