(NEW YORK) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued its highest-ever early-season hurricane forecast for the upcoming hurricane season.
All categories of storms are expected to exceed the typical number seen every year, National Weather Service forecasters announced Thursday in a news conference for the 2024 hurricane outlook.
NOAA scientists predict between 17 and 25 named storms, compared to an average of 14; between eight and 13 hurricanes, compared to an average of seven; and between four and seven major hurricanes, compared to an average of three.
A major hurricane is Category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Near record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and a developing La Niña system that will reduce wind shear in the western Atlantic will likely contribute to the increased number of storms.
In addition, an above-average African monsoon season will help initiate thunderstorms over Africa that will eventually form into tropical systems in the Atlantic.
The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. The peak of the season typically occurs around Sept. 10, according to NOAA.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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