HOUSTON — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a near-normal hurricane activity for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season with 12 to 17 total named storms.
Of those, five to nine could become hurricanes, including one to four major hurricanes, which would be category 3, 4, or 5.
The announcement was made Thursday morning from the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, Maryland.
“Thanks to the Commerce Department and NOAA’s critical investments this year in scientific and technological advancements in hurricane modeling, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.
They said the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than in recent years.
After three hurricane seasons with La Nina present, NOAA scientists predict a high potential for El Nino to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity.