AccuWeather has released their forecast for the upcoming hurricane season.
According to AccuWeather, near normal or slightly above normal activity is likely for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.
“After an active Atlantic hurricane season in 2018, AccuWeather forecasters are predicting 2019 to result in a near- to slightly above-normal season with 12 to 14 storms.”
In terms of numbers, AccuWeather is forecasting a total of 12 – 14 named storms. Of those, five to seven are expected to be hurricanes, with two to four being major (category 3 or above).
Additionally, AccuWeather is predicting two to four U.S. landfalls.
Uncertainty in regard to the evolution of El Niño is also noted. AccuWeather’s Dan Kottlowski is quoted as saying that the season could end of “below normal” if El Niño continues and/or strengthens during summer.
Based on the March ENSO diagnostic discussion from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, El Niño is likely to persist through summer of 2019.
AccuWeather’s forecast comes ahead of the Colorado State University outlook, which will be issued tomorrow, at the National Tropical Weather Conference in South Padre Island, TX.
