NOAA expects above-average hurricane season

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) are predicting above-normal tropical activity in the Atlantic basin this season.

Hurricane season begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. And although the earlier part of the season tends to be less active, continued near record water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the development of favorable La Nina conditions in the Pacific will open the door to increased tropical activity throughout the season.

17-25 named storms are forecast, meaning storms that reach at least tropical storm status (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8-13 are expected to reach hurricane strength (winds of 74 mph or higher). 4-7 hurricanes are forecast to become major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher).

Other variables, such as diminishing Atlantic trade winds, less wind shear, and the impact of climate change, will help increase potential tropical storm formation.