Storms and Weather of 2026 - We Study The World

2026 Picture Feature

Satellites reveal the structure, movement, and scale of tropical cyclones. These confirmed 2026 images show storms in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions.

Verified Official Imagery

Every image links to its official NASA source and displays the credit supplied with that image.

Tropical Storm Arthur spreading clouds across the Gulf of Mexico on June 17, 2026 — **Tropical Storm Arthur** NASA's Terra satellite observed the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season over the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / Michala Garrison · Official source

Hurricane Lala near the Hawaiian Islands on August 15, 2026 — **Hurricane Lala Near Hawaiʻi** The Suomi NPP satellite recorded Lala as a Category 1 hurricane south of the Island of Hawaiʻi. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / Lauren Dauphin · Official source

Category 4 Hurricane Karina over the eastern Pacific Ocean on August 30, 2026 — **Hurricane Karina** NASA's Aqua satellite captured Karina near peak intensity over the eastern Pacific. Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC · Official source

Hurricane Fausto over the eastern Pacific Ocean on July 22, 2026 — **Hurricane Fausto** The Terra satellite observed the first eastern Pacific hurricane of 2026 as it strengthened. Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC · Official source

Tropical Cyclone Fytia approaching Madagascar on January 31, 2026 — **Tropical Cyclone Fytia** NASA's Aqua satellite viewed Fytia near landfall on Madagascar's western coast. Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC · Official source

How Satellites Observe Storms

Visible-light images show cloud shape and organization, while infrared observations help scientists estimate cloud-top temperatures and identify powerful thunderstorms. Repeated observations also reveal changes in a storm's location and structure.

Storm Strength and Impact

Wind speed is only one part of storm danger. Heavy rain, flooding, storm surge, waves, and landslides can produce severe impacts even when a storm is below hurricane strength.