The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tuesday predicted a seventh consecutive above-average Atlantic hurricane season. With the six-month season starting next week, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecast 14 to 21 named storms, of which six to 10 storms could reach hurricane strength, and three to six of those are forecast to be major systems.
One reason for this year’s forecast is the ongoing La Nina conditions, which can limit vertical wind shear in the atmosphere. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey notes other reasons why.
Colorado State University researchers had already predicted 19 named storms, with nine growing into hurricanes. AccuWeather predicted 16 to 20 named storms this year, with six to eight becoming hurricanes.
The 2022 Hurricane Season starts June 1.