NOAA predicts near-normal 2019 Atlantic hurricane season

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting that a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year.

This outlook forecasts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

The hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to November 30.

For 2019, NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.

An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes.