The Colorado State University’s (CSU’s) Tropical Meteorology Project has updated its Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and Landfall Strike Probability for 2023, which now predicts 18 named storms will occur – nine of which will be hurricanes and four of which will be major hurricanes.

This is an increase from the prior forecast of 15 named storms (the long term average is 14 named storms), attributed to record warm seas surface temperatures in most of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic. The probability of a major hurricane making landfall in the U.S. is considered to be above the national average for this year. However, researchers caution the CSU forecast is intended to provide a best estimate of activity in the Atlantic during the season – not an exact measure. Access the full report at CSU.