Publication Date August 11, 2016 | WxShift

Hurricane Forecast Update: Slight Uptick in Number of Storms

Atlantic Ocean
Image: NASA
Image: NASA

As the traditional peak of the Atlantic hurricane season nears, forecasters have slightly increased the number of storms they expect to see this year. While the figures still suggest near-normal activity, they would mark the busiest season since 2012 if they pan out.

The uptick in the forecast comes courtesy of shifts in the large-scale conditions that can foster or quash developing storms.

In its updated forecast released Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the season will have 12 to 17 named storms (those that reach at least tropical storm strength). Of those, they expect five to eight to reach hurricane strength and then two to four of those to strengthen into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Those numbers include the five storms that formed already this year.

 

Hurricane forecast update

NOAA's updated forecast for the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season