Forecast predicts ‘slightly below normal’ hurricane activity for 2019

Colorado State University (CSU) has released its first long range forecast for the 2019 North Atlantic hurricane season, which predicts slightly below normal storm activity.

The report forecasts 13 Named Storms will occur during the 2019 windstorm season, including 2 major hurricanes (being Category 3 and above).

The period 1981-2010 suffered an average of 12 Named Storms and 3 major hurricanes per season.
It also has predicted a 48% probability that at least one major hurricane to make landfall on the United States and a 39% chance that at least one major hurricane will track into the Caribbean.

These two figures compare to an average occurrence in the 20th century of 52% (United States) and 42% (Caribbean).

CSU is the first of the major recognised forecasters in 2019 to publish its findings and is due to release an update at the beginning of June.