Forecasters with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA, this morning released a hurricane forecast update and said conditions are now more favorable for above-normal hurricane activity now that El Nino activity has ended.
According to the updated forecast, there will be 10 to 17 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 4 major hurricanes. The prior forecast released on May 23, stated there would be 9 to 15 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes and 2 to 4 major hurricanes.
“El Nino typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity but now that it’s gone, we could see a busier season ahead, said Gerry Bell, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA.
Seasonal forecasters have increased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 45 percent up from 30 percent. The likelihood of near –normal activity is now at 35 percent, and the chance of a below-normal activity has dropped to 20 percent.
