How does El Niño Impact Atlantic Hurricane Season
NOAA has released their seasonal outlook for the 2026 hurricane season – spanning from June 1st to November 30th – reporting a 55% probability of a below average season. This prediction is primarily driven by several factors including a strong El Niño event expected to emerge in the Pacific basin. This phenomenon will disrupt typical […]
New drone data improves hurricane intensity forecasts
For the first time, data from a small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS) – Black Swift Technologies’ S0 – will be integrated into NOAA’s hurricane forecast model during the 2026 hurricane season. Scientists from the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) determined that incorporating sUAS data […]
2026 Hurricane Field Program
Hurricane Field Program 2026 Season The 2026 Hurricane Field Program supports NOAA’s Advancing the Prediction of Hurricanes Experiment (APHEX). This page is organized by projects that support research into the lifecycle stages of storms, from genesis to end stage, as well as ocean observations and satellite validation. About APHEX: Developed in partnership with NOAA’s Environmental [...]
In the wake of hurricanes: satellites and robots reveal an altered biogeochemical landscape
On August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a major Hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend after meandering through the northwestern Caribbean and intensifying over the warm waters of the Gulf of America. In its aftermath, damage on land was immediately visible, but observations from satellites and ocean-going robots revealed that the ocean was also […]
AOML Presents: 12 days of Research
As 2025 comes to an end, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is proud to present a recap of some of our research accomplishments, creative tools, and significant impacts. Enjoy our “12 days of research” series where we highlight the vital work AOML is conducting to protect life, property, and our natural resources.
Inside the Storm: Meet the NOAA team behind hurricane research
Hurricanes are among some of the most destructive natural disasters and pose major risks to coastlines. Given warming oceans, increasing storm intensities, and population growth, advancing hurricane research is vital for tracking storms and predicting their strengths and landfalls. A complex team, from program managers to meteorologists, is essential for successfully predicting, observing, and forecasting […]
Breaking records in the sky and sea: Innovations in research through the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially come to an end. Throughout this record-breaking season, NOAA scientists conducted innovative research on tropical cyclones that will improve forecasting accuracy, enhance understanding of storm behavior, and strengthen preparedness efforts for communities. Their work and dedication contributed to a safer and more resilient future for those facing the impacts of extreme weather events.
World first: Mini ocean robot collects data in a Category 5 hurricane
NOAA and Oshen robots bring back key wind and pressure data from Hurricane Humberto A small, wind–powered ocean robot became the first uncrewed surface vehicle to capture and transmit data from inside a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday, September 28, as part of research by NOAA, the United Kingdom-based robotics company, Oshen, and the University […]
NOAA’s next-generation hurricane model accurately predicted Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin was one of the largest storms recorded in the Atlantic basin, with only around 5% of storms matching or exceeding its size. Both operational and experimental NOAA forecast models for Erin proved incredibly accurate, especially for Erin’s track early in the forecast period. NOAA’s flagship hurricane forecast model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast […]
