After three relatively slow years, forecasters expect a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season, according to NBC-DFW. But climate conditions are making it difficult for forecasters to predict the exact number of hurricanes and tropical storms to arise over the next six months.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) currently calls for 10 to 16 named storms, with four to eight hurricanes.
The long-term season averages are 12 named storms, with six hurricanes and three “major” ones with winds topping 110 mph, NBC-DFW stated.
The season officially starts June 1, but tropical weather started sooner than expected with Hurricane Alex in January.
Only 11 storms were named in the 2015 season, which is below average. Of those 11 storms, one made landfall in Texas causing floods, NBC-DFW said.