2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Calls For a Near-Average Number of Storms, Less Active Than 2016
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be less active than a year ago with the number of named storms and hurricanes near historical averages, according to an outlook released Monday by The Weather Company, an IBM business. A total of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes are expected this season, which matches the 30-year average (1981-2010) for the Atlantic basin. A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The outlook cited that the potential development of El Niņo later this summer along with current and forecast sea-surface temperature anomalies played a role in their forecast for a near-average season. But there remains plenty of uncertainty regarding El Niņo's possible development, and therefore, how much of an effect it could have on the hurricane season. "If El Niņo fails to launch, we may be too low with our numbers," said Dr. Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist with The Weather Company.