NOAA forecasters predicting above-average hurricane season

In an update on the Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA is now predicting a near-normal level of activity to an above-normal level of activity.

Factors such as warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions will counterbalance the usually limiting atmospheric conditions associated with the ongoing El Nino event.

As a result, 14 to 21 named storms are predicted, of which 6 to 11 could become hurricanes. Of those, 2 to 5 could become major hurricanes.

NOAA forecasters have increased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60 percent, that number is increased from the outlook issued in May, which predicted a 30% chance.

Hurricane season ends on November 30.