CSU issued its July update to the university's long-term hurricane season forecast, and they have raised the expected number of storms and hurricanes for the season. The previous prediction called for an above-average season, however with the July update, it appears the season will be even more active with 20 storms (including the 5 that have already occurred) and 9 hurricanes. 4 of the storms are expected to reach Category 3 strength or higher.
The forecast also includes the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall, with the chances at 69% for the entire U.S. coastline, 45% for the East Coast through the Florida Panhandle, 44% from the Panhandle west to Brownsville TX.
Developing La Nina conditions in the Pacific, which leads to lower amounts of upper level wind shear in the Caribbean and Atlantic and sea surface temperatures that are above average over the Gulf and Atlantic are contributing factors. Regardless of how many storms develop, it only takes one to have a significant impact. Make sure you are prepared in advance.
FOX 4 CHIEF METEOROLOGIST DEREK BEASLEY
