HOUSTON — NOAA released an updated Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook on Thursday and they're still calling for a very active season.
The only change from NOAA's first outlook in May is they're predicting one fewer named storms.
- 17-24 named storms, which includes the four named storms recorded as of Aug. 8; The May prediction was 17-25 named storms.
- 8-13 hurricanes, including Beryl and Debby
- 4-7 major hurricanes of at least Category 3, including Beryl. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane in history as it churned across the Atlantic. Beryl was down to a Cat 1 when it slammed into Southeast Texas on July 8.
Earlier this week, forecasters at Colorado State University also released an updated hurricane season outlook with a slight improvement.
- 23 named storms, including the four recorded as of Aug. 8. This is down from the 25 originally predicted by CSU.
- 12 hurricanes, including Beryl and Debby
- 6 major hurricanes, including Beryl
RELATED: Hurricane Beryl coverage
Most of the predicted activity is expected to occur during the peak months of August, September, and October when the sea surface temperatures are warmer, the Sahara dust subsides, and stronger tropical waves emerge off the west coast of Africa.
Remember, whether it's an active season or not, it just takes one storm to devastate a community and it doesn't have to be a major hurricane as we saw with Beryl.
People along the Gulf Coast and points inland should always stay prepared during the Atlantic Hurricane season.
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
According to the National Hurricane Center, the peak of hurricane season is on September 10. Most activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October.
What are the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season names?
There are 21 storm names for the Atlantic basin. If more are needed, there’s a plan for that.
If we get more than 21 named storms, we will go to the supplemental list of storm names.
Be ready for hurricane season!
We have tools to make sure you’re ready for hurricane season. First, you can download the KHOU 11 hurricane guide. It’s got instructions and supply lists in multiple languages
We also have a hurricane season online guide, with a history of some of the most destructive storms, as well as the dangers that come with hurricanes, evacuation routes and so much more.