WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Colorado State University on Thursday released its early April outlook on the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane season.
The longtime hurricane season predictors, led by Dr. Phil Klotzbach, predict a slightly below-normal season.
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Factors in the prediction include sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, which are running slightly below normal, and the current weak El Niño persisting or even strengthening this summer.
In years past, El Niños have delivered slower seasons due to increased upper level winds disrupting hurricane formation.
Colorado State researchers predict 13 named storms, five of which will become hurricanes, and two of those will be major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Click here to read the full report.
Their next prediction will be released in early June.
NOAA’s outlook for the upcoming hurricane season will be released in late May.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Seasonal #hurricane forecast from @ColoradoStateU predicts slightly below-average season: 13 named storms, 5 hurricanes & 2 major (Cat 3+, >=111 mph) hurricanes. Primary reason for slightly below-avg forecast is anticipated continuation of weak #ElNino. https://t.co/uxucIf9qQB pic.twitter.com/o0pWt1GUBh
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) April 4, 2019
