No hurricane threats to speak of yet (July 10) as we are about 40 days into the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, but the team of analysts right here in our home state, at Colorado State University (CSU), are predicting 18 named storms, up from their early forecast of 13 for the season. That would be a slightly busier-than-average season.
Five weeks into the season, CSU climatologists point to unusually warm waters in the Atlantic that could contribute to more tropical storms and hurricanes. They are predicting an above average year with 18 named storms including four major hurricanes of CAT 3 or greater with wind speeds faster than 111 mph. In April the team predicted 13 named storms. If you are wondering about the climatologist’s accuracy, they have been right 64% of the time.
Meanwhile the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is still predicting 12 to 17 named storms-- about an average year.
"As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them," Colorado State officials said. "They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted. The season lasts through Nov. 30."