2011 Atlantic Hurrican Season Forecast

Written by: Stacey Pensgen

Hurricane season began on Wednesday, June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) it predicting an active one.

The forecast calls for 12-18 named storms, including 6-10 hurricanes, of which 3-6 could be major hurricanes (category 3 or higher).

An average Atlantic hurricane season typically spawns 11 total named storms, with 6 hurricanes and just 2 major hurricanes.

According to NOAA, some of the factors for an above average forecast include warmer than average (2 degrees Fahrenheit) sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, a current La Nina pattern, along with a recent trend of more active seasons.

The Atlantic hurricane season ends on November 30th, with the peak in early to mid September.