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Above-normal Atlantic hurricane season predicted, with up to 20 named storms
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020.
According to the NOAA 2021 Hurricane Forecast, we can expect: 13-20 names storms, 6-10 hurricanes, 3-5 major hurricanes.
A likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected.
NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30.
They have also released the names for 2021’s Atlantic tropical cyclones.
“Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The experts at NOAA are poised to deliver life-saving early warnings and forecasts to communities, which will also help minimize the economic impacts of storms.”