The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to produce a near- or above-average number of hurricanes and tropical storms, according to a seasonal outlook released Thursday by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.NOAA expects 10 to 16 named storms during the season, including five to nine hurricanes and one to four major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher intensity.
This is slightly more activity than expected by The Weather Company, which in May called for 12 named storms and five hurricanes this hurricane season. However, NOAA’s forecast is on par with the Colorado State University outlook also released earlier this month. An updated outlook will be released by Colorado State University on May 31.
These three forecasts are near or above the Atlantic Basin’s 30-year historical average (1981 to 2010) of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
Last year, 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and six major hurricanes tore through the Atlantic Basin.
