Colorado State forecasts average hurricane season

Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project on Thursday adjusted its forecast for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, calling for average storm activity.

The group predicted 14 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or stronger.

The named storm total includes Subtropical Storm Alberto, the first tropical cyclone of the season, which developed May 25, prior to the June 1 official start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

“We anticipate a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” the university said in a statement.

While not anticipating a significant El Niño during the 2018 season, the groups said most of the North Atlantic has continued to be unusually cool over the past two months.

In April, the group forecast 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.