The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Expected to be Near Normal

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June first to November thirtieth, is expected to be a near normal year in terms of activity. Forecasters predict that there is a forty percent chance of a near-normal season, a thirty percent chance of an above-normal season and a thirty percent chance of a below-normal season. The season, which officially opened today, is predicted to comprise of twelve to seventeen named storms. Of these, between five and nine of the storms are expected to become hurricanes, and between one and four are expected to become hurricanes ranging in strength from categories one and three. An average season comprises fourteen named storms, of which seven become hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Forecasting experts predict there’s a moderate to high chance an El Niño phenomenon will develop during this year’s hurricane season. This is expected to suppress the development of tropical storms. On the contrary, because warmer than average sea surface temperatures are also expected, it could also favour hurricane development that counter the effects of El Niño. The names for this year’s hurricane season are: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Phillipe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney.