NOAA releases 2024 hurricane season forecast

With just over a week until the official start of hurricane season, on June 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially released its forecasts for the upcoming season. As expected, forecasters predict an above-average season. Of the 17–25 named storms, 8–13 are estimated to be hurricanes and 4–7 are major hurricanes. In fact, this is the highest number of named storms NOAA has ever forecast for the pre-hurricane season. NOAA predicts an 85% chance of an above-average season. An average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. 2023 was well above average with 20 named storms. The first named storm this year will be Alberto. There are many factors behind this high forecast, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic basin and transition to La Nina conditions in the Pacific. Warm water acts as fuel for tropical activity. La Nina affects the Atlantic, reducing trade winds and reducing wind shear. This, in turn, favors the development of the tropics. NOAA will update the 2024 Atlantic Seasonality Outlook in early August, just before the historic peak season. Follow the ABC7 weather team on social media Chief Meteorologist John Patrick on Facebook and TwitterMeteorologist Jim Dickey on Facebook and TwitterMeteorologist Jesslyn Ferentz on Facebook and TwitterMeteorologist Sami Squires on Facebook and Twitter Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere you will find our latest video forecast. You can also watch the live broadcast of our latest news here. Download our free ABC7 News app for the latest news. You can download our app here to receive the latest weather alerts.

With just over a week until the official start of hurricane season, on June 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially released its forecasts for the upcoming season.

As expected, forecasters predict an above-average season. Of the 17–25 named storms, 8–13 are estimated to be hurricanes and 4–7 are major hurricanes. In fact, this is the highest number of named storms NOAA has ever forecast for the pre-hurricane season.

NOAA predicts an 85% chance of an above-average season. An average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. 2023 was well above average, with 20 named storms.

The first named storm this year will be Alberto.

There are many factors behind this high forecast, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic basin and a transition to La Nina conditions in the Pacific.

Warm water acts as fuel for tropical activity. La Nina affects the Atlantic, reducing trade winds and reducing wind shear. These, in turn, tend to accelerate tropical development.

NOAA will update the 2024 Atlantic Seasonality Outlook in early August, just before the historic peak season.

Follow the ABC7 weather team on social media

Watch our forecasts on TV or online

Find our latest video forecast here. You can also watch the live broadcast of our latest news program here.

Download our free ABC7 News app for the latest news

You can download our app with the latest weather alerts here.