3 hours ago - Climate

National Hurricane Center updates cone of uncertainty

Sommer Brugal

NOAA hurricane forecast map showing Milton's cone of uncertainty across the Caribbean and Gulf, with projected track and time stamps (1 AM Fri, 1 PM Thu, 1 AM Sun). — This is what the cone graphic for 2024's Hurricane Milton would have looked like with the changes debuting this year. Graphic: National Hurricane Center

The 2026 hurricane cone of uncertainty will feature a handful of new graphical elements, the National Hurricane Center recently revealed.

Why it matters: The cone projects the storm's path and intensity, helps determine evacuation zones and guides residents on how to best prepare for what's to come.

Zoom in: One difference residents can look out for is color coding that shows inland impacts, including storm and hurricane wind watches, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.

Previously, hurricane-force winds along the coast were designated in red. Now, that same color will extend as far inland as experts believe the winds will reach, per the outlet.
Storms that have no chance of developing into a tropical system will be labeled gray, not yellow, as previously shown.

Zoom out: The NHC is also testing a new experimental cone this season that features a slightly wider cone.

The new width means the storm will have a 90% chance of tracking inside it, up from 67% with the current width, reported the Sun Sentinel.

What's next: Hurricane season begins June 1.

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National Hurricane Center updates cone of uncertainty

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