The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast on Thursday, just a week before hurricane season is set to begin June 1.
NOAA’s forecast anticipates that there will be 17 to 25 named storms this year for an above-average hurricane season. Of those storms, eight to 13 will be hurricanes and four to seven will be major hurricanes. The forecast for named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes is the highest NOAA has ever issued for a May outlook.
“This season is looking to be an extraordinary one in a number of ways,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said during a press conference.
Several factors are contributing to the storm-heavy predictions this year, including abnormally warm sea surface temperatures and the expectation that El Niño will transition into La Niña by this summer or fall.
